Schoolboy chums Matthew Evans and Scott Powell were inseparable best friends when they were rugby-mad 
teenagers together over 20 years ago at Llandovery College.
But as they left to make their own way in life and lost touch, little did they know that, two decades later, they were to reform their friendship and find success.
Matthew, who played hooker at Llandovery, worked briefly in London. Scott, an awesome tight-head prop, moved to Swansea.
Today the pair are among the most accomplished amateur marathon runners and triathletes in the country and their company, which focuses on life-changing fitness, is the fastest-growing multi-sport race organiser in Wales.
The duo’s passion for fitness and inspiring others to get healthy has led them to set up the popular Long Course Weekend (www.longcourseweekend.com), a three-day, swim-bike-run event held in Pembrokeshire in July.
Both Matthew and Scott are now Ironman finishers and have built their reputation on helping others get fit. Now’s a great time to sign up, they say, as millions of us struggle with our New Year’s Resolutions.
Statistics show that 73 per cent of people are more likely to keep their resolution if it's attached to a goal or event in the near future.
Matthew, who was the first man in Wales to run 10 consecutive marathons in 10 days, raising more than £100,000 for 
charity, said: “The Long Course Weekend is not just about competitive sport, it’s about the whole experience for everyone involved, the thronging spectators, the spirit of the community, everyone.
“The course is a blaze of spectacular scenery combined with challenging climbs. Everyone has a party, it’s a real festival atmosphere.”
Scott, who recently joined Matthew in setting up their new company, Activity Wales Events, organising all sorts of sporting events in the region, including marathons, triathlons and swimming events, said: “All three days of our Long Course Weekend produce a fabulous atmosphere.
“The cycling event promises a grandstand, closed-road, town-centre finish, and this July’s climax in Tenby will draw huge crowds. There are red carpets, live bands along the route, and double the seating we had last year. It’ll be amazing.”
Scott added: “It’s not just about sport it’s about learning a new way of thinking to change lives – and it really has turned things around for us.”