Ammanford iron man John Williams has claimed victory in the inaugural Pendine Outdoor Sprint Triathlon, which took place on Sunday.

The event, organised by Healthy Life Activities and sponsored by Pendine Outdoors, involved a 500m open water sea swim, a 20km bike ride down through Laugharne and a 5km run along the scenic P e n d i n e sands.

The sands, made famous thanks to a history of land speed record a t t e m p t s , offered the perfect setting for the gruelling test of f i t n e s s , strength and stamina.

The beach start saw athletes sprint into the water to begin a 500m swim in near perfect sea conditions.

First out of the water was Mark Sykes, followed closely by Williams and Luke Paul Davies.

In the female category there was a tight tussle with Georgina Dando and Anna Fischer leading the way.

The bike leg took athletes from Pendine to Laugharne with the turnaround point coming just outside the town, allowing the athletes to head back towards Pendine and the start of the 5km beach run, where the sands sapped the remaining energy of the entrants.

Williams held on to the lead he earned on two wheels to cross the line in first place in a time of one hour and three minutes.

Anna Fischer was the first woman home in one hour and 12 minutes.

Geraint Godfrey from Tywi Riders claimed the youth trophy.

Race Organiser Noelwyn Daniel from Healthy Life Activities said: “We had excellent support from Pendine Community Council, Pendine Outdoors, St John’s Ambulance and Dyfed Powys Police, who all ensured we had a successful race.

“The race attracted athletes from across south Wales and a few from England who made the journey down to Pendine.

“We hope to build on this event over the coming few years, and hopefully, with the full support of the local community be able to attract many hundreds of visitors down to this great location.”