A local man has conquered one of the world’s toughest endurance events, completing a full Ironman triathlon in Germany.
Greg Stafford, who lives in Upton Scudamore, completed the challenge by swimming 3.8km, cycling 180km and running 42km in Hamburg on 1st June.
He said, “There were thunderstorms and lightning on the morning of the race. We were a bit worried whether the event would go ahead. It was a late start, but we eventually did get to begin the swim.
“I think that took away my nerves as I was relieved it was going ahead.”
Greg, 38, completed the swim then jumped on his bike, only for the heavens to open and unleash “biblical” rain. He cycled through the city centre and then out into the countryside, and the rain eased just in time for the start of his run.
Fuelled by energy gels, bananas and pretzels, Greg completed the Ironman challenge in 11 hours and 44 minutes, burning 9,000 calories. He has thanked his wife Lucy, brother Paddy and sons Jonah and Ted for their support.
Greg, who works as a portfolio manager for a defence company, said, “The kids really got me through it – I wanted to prove to them I could do it.
“I’m just a normal person, just Joe Average, so the feeling of being able to inspire people with the Ironman is wicked.
“I hope it shows that if you work hard and put time and effort in, you can do anything. There were people of all shapes, sizes and ages doing the Ironman, which was really cool to see.”
