There's only hours to go until the 2XU Long Course Weekend kicks-off its sixth consecutive year.

Every year, the event gains more athletes, supporters and coverage. With 2014 attracting over 5,000 athletes and 20,000 supporters to the area, organisers are expecting just short of 6,000 for 2015.

Now televised to over 560 million homes worldwide, it really has added that something extra for both entrants and spectators to an already incredible weekend.

Athletes will be competing from all over the world - 43 countries around the globe to be precise!

Bigger than ever before, the 2XU Long Course Weekend has nine African professional runners taking part and hoping to break the course record in the Oakwood Wales Marathon, ex-pro rugby star Shane Williams, professional triathletes Lucy Gossage, Stephen and Mark Bayliss, Oliver Simon, Dominic Rohan-Gates and Parys Edwards.

Defending champion Oliver Simon, of Tenby, said: "I am really looking forward to the weekend, and the same as most athletes and organisers, I just want it to stay dry and not to windy. I am fitter than I ever have been for the event and I know its going to be harder to win as more top athletes are drawn in by the good publicity the event gets. There is a lot less pressure on the LCW compared to Ironman as I have other family members taking part and I can enjoy before and after the events a lot more; it's going to be a great weekend."

Also taking part are local triathletes Stephen Rogers and Nicky Rees who have completed all five previous LCWs and are back for a shot at the sixth.

Due to a record number of athletes this year, registration opened yesterday (Thursdsay), but continues today (Friday) - 10 am - 8 pm (from 4-6 pm only full Long Course Weekend and swim athletes), tomorrow (Saturday) - 5.30-8 am (priority will be giving to cyclists as per start times), Sunday - 7-9 am (marathon), 9-10.30 am (10k), 9-11 am (half marathon in Pembroke Castle only).

Yesterday also saw seminars with Mark from Mikes Bikes, who taught how to deal with repairs and changing a puncture, Oliver Simon, the reigning champion of Long Course Weekend, and Lucy Gossage, 4xIronman winner.

Events gets underway today with the Folly Farm Taff Kids at 5 pm on North Beach, followed by St. Florence and Tenby schools singing Calon Lan and the Welsh National anthem heralding the start of the 2XU Wales Swim at 7 pm.

The first bikes set off on the Peedal Cover Wales Sportive from the Salterns car park at 7 am tomorrow (Saturday), with one of the highlights sure to be the riders doing battle to claim the polka dot jersey as a trophy for being the fastest up the timed section of St. Bride's Hill, while on Sunday, it's marathon day with runners setting off at 10 am from Tudor Square for the Oakwood Wales Marathon and the Half and Coastal Cottages Wales 10K leaving Main Street, Pembroke, and Manorbier Castle at 12 noon and 1.30 pm respectively.

Saturday and Sunday events all end in the red carpetted Tudor Square where no doubt Tenby will provided a huge homecoming.

For more information see our special eight page supplement or visit http://longcourseweekend.com/">http://longcourseweekend.com/