St Neots man ready for 'brutal' double Ironman charity challenge
Chris Elt is hoping to swim, cycle and run a total of 280 miles
A man from St Neots is taking on perhaps one of the biggest tests of his life so far as he sets off on a double Ironman challenge.
Chris Elt is attempting a solo, continuous double Ironman to raise at least £4,000 for charities The Upside Down Sports Club in St Neots and the Road Victims Trust.
It is a back-to-back 'Miles That Matter' challenge for Chris, who will swim 4.7 miles in open water, cycle 224 miles and run 52 miles.
“This is by far the toughest thing I’ve ever attempted; it's almost like a whole life journey in on event," he said.
"It will be long, uncomfortable and at times brutal, but that’s exactly why I’m doing it.
"There will be some euphoric highs and knowing when I hit the lows and my body's screaming out in agony, I've got to remember that the pain is temporary and raising money for good causes is forever."
'We're incredibly proud'
Chris began his challenge at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge for the swim, before he sets off to cycle to Great Staughton where he'll take on seven laps of a self-designed course.
The endurance athlete will then move onto The Wheatsheaf in Perry, where he will then begin the 52.4-mile run consisting of six laps of Grafham Water.
Chris - who's been preparing at St Neots Triathlon Club - is aiming to finish the full challenge tomorrow morning.
“We are incredibly proud of Chris and all the hard work he has put into training for an event like this," Paul Ridley, chairman of St Neots Triathlon Club, said.
"An Ironman is already an immense physical and mental challenge, so to take on two back-to-back is truly remarkable.
“It shows not only his determination and resilience, but also his commitment to supporting others through these charities."
Inspiring others
It's a challenge that Chris has never taken on before, but one that he can inspire others by.
“I wanted to take on something that really pushes me to my limits, both physically and mentally," he added.
"Hopefully I can show that anything is possible.
"Yes this is my challenge, but the support from my wife, children, friends, training group and others, it's showing no matter what the challenge is in front of you, anything is possible when you have the right people around you."