Bognor Regis hero takes on Iron Man challenge

Alan McTernan completing my first ever triathlon in May, as part of his training

Alan McTernan, who says he is the last person you would expect to take part in a triathlon, has entered into Ironman Wales in order to raise money for a friend and her two little girls as she has recently been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.

“Anyone who doesn’t know what an Ironman is, it is basically classed as the hardest triathlon on the planet and Wales is up there as one of the hardest Iron Mans,” he added.

Mr McTernan, who describes himself as ‘an overweight 38-year-old with a very hectic life’, will need to complete a 2.4-mile sea swim, 112-mile bike ride and finally a 26.2-mile run.

Alan said that until four months ago, he hadn’t swam since he left school and until two months ago, he had never been on a road bike.

The Ironman competitions take on average more than 12 hours to complete.

Close friend Jason Passingham said: “Alan is the most selfless man I have met and will do anything he can to help others, never asking anything in return.”

Raw Energy Pursuits’ unique Arundel Triathlon in May was Alan’s first ever triathlon experience.

He also took part in the Exmoor Ironman to train for the contest and cycled to Paris with Sussex Stragglers to raise money for charity.

Ironman Wales is now well-established as having one of the most challenging bike and run courses on the Ironman calendar. Alan’s progress on September 13 can be followed throughout via his Facebook page, called Chunky Man to Iron Man.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 – Make our website your homepage at www.bognor.co.uk

2 – Like our Facebook pages at Bognor Regis Observer Facebook

3 – Follow us on Twitter at @BogObserver

4 – Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The Bognor Regis Observer – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.