Last weekend saw the third episode of the ever growing Tenfoot Swim weekend.

It started off with a family fun run on the Friday night which included children’s races and an adults run. The runners could choose distances of one, three or five miles from Saundersfoot to Coppet Hall, Wiseman’s Bridge and on to the Heritage Park at Stepaside. There was a great atmosphere in the village, with most of the 350 participants wearing fancy dress outfits.

There were 230 swimmers entered for the 5k swim from Tenby to Saundersfoot on the Saturday and, in addition, a novel Swim Run was added to the itinerary this year, the first of its kind in this area. This was a gruelling 10k event with challenges all the way and the organising committee decided, therefore, to limit this event to 70 places.

The 70 swim runners were set off at 2.45 pm from the Prince Albert statue on top of Castle Hill, with the 230 swimmers starting minutes later from North Beach. Both groups were waved off by the Mayor of Tenby, Tony Brown, together with former Wales rugby international, Ian Gough. Ian had signed up for the Swim Run, but a neck injury forced his withdrawal. So keen was he to give support that he paddleboarded the entire course.

The swim runners entered the water at North Beach and headed for Waterwynch. The course took them to a water station at Trevayne Farm before heading down to Monkstone Beach where they were all checked by a medical team. Many thanks to the Reed family for their support.

The runners returned to the water before continuing a run up to Swallow Tree Woods where they were again checked by a medical team. The final swim leg was from the back of the Glen Beach to Saundersfoot.

There was a fantastic atmosphere awaiting all participants and spectators were fully informed throughout by the brilliant commentary of Kevin Lloyd.

First swimmer home was Jake Plumbley, of Pontypool, and the inaugural Swim Run saw Andrew Wallace, of Pembroke Dock, lead the field. All competitors received a great ovation before receiving their medals.

Sincere thanks to the Mayor of Tenby, Tony Brown; Chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, Neil Sefton, and Thom James, of main sponsors, FB Mason, for presenting the medals.

When interviewed by Kevin, many Swim Runners remarked how picturesque the run course was. Many referred to the challenging conditions around Monkstone Point and all swimmers were full of praise for the safety element of the course. They were constantly surrounded by some form of sea craft.

You can’t run an event like this without the commitment and dedication of all the kayakers, paddleboarders, marshals, water safety and medical teams. There was an incredible 76 kayakers and paddle boarders registered on the day by our water safety team and 32 boats or ribs which supported the event. Our thanks go out to Tenby Surf Link, Pembroke Paddlers, RNLI, both Tenby and Saundersfoot Sailing Clubs as well as Narberth Netball who supplied teams for marshalling. We also have to say a big thank you to Chris Salisbury at Tenby Harbour as well as Bradley and Dave and the Saundersfoot Commisioners of Saundersfoot Harbour. Bradley took part in the event. Thanks also to Marc Owen at Pembrokeshire County Council for helping our event run smoothly. Saundersfoot Medical Centre for allowing volunteers, kayakers and paddleboarders parking space. Diolch Ross Barnes and Mike Evans of Harbwr Bar and Harbwr Brewery for giving swimmers hot soup and refreshments.

While we congratulate the volunteers, we musn’t forget the amazing sponsors we have. Thanks to FBM Holidays, FBM Estates, Mike Wealleans PVCu, Little & Large Bites, Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners, Silver Lily, Mr. J. Taylor at North Beach Café, Scaffold  2000, 1 Formula Fitness, 1 Formula Ltd, Pembrokeshire Wealth Management, Periwinkle, Harbwr Bar, Gower Hotel, Pembrokeshire Tyres Tenby, W D Lewis Aberdare Ltd, John Rothery Health, Heritage Park, Trevayne Farm, Lily Cole, Equinox, Portabella, Castle Homes, Martin Woodhall, Harbourlight Guesthouse, Safe Electrical, Dragon Mobile Catering, The Boat House, Prowaste, Dryhome Condensation Ltd, Towergate Insurance, Folly Farm, JOP, Andrew Price, Broughton Leisure, Hanger 5, Big Brums, NBSM, TRJ, Spar-Saundersfoot, Tesco-Saundersfoot, Dan at the Slipway Gift Shop, Odley’s Ice-Cream at Saundersfoot, David Lewis - Hean Castle Estate, Swim Pembrokeshire and James E Smith, Timber.

It’s great that Tenby and Saundersfoot come together to put on a fantastic charity event where every penny raised goes to the beneficiaries. The two main charities this year were Huntingtons and BCRT (Bone Cancer Research Trust); there will also be donations to safety groups who helped us in putting on this event. 

The day was completed when the Tenfoot committee put on live music in the village and an estimated gathering of nearly 700 applauded the amazing Daz as he went through his repertoire of famous songs. This is what Saundersfoot does best - making sure that after the seriousness of the day’s events they can let their hair down and enjoy the occasion. Great to see the village bouncing and we’re looking forward already to next year’s event