AN Inkberrow man has successfully completed a charity sprint triathlon – covering more than 25k with a swim, run and cycle ride in under two hours.
Julian Horsley, aged 42, took part in the Blenheim Palace Sprint Triathlon on Sunday (June 4) finishing a 750m lake swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5km run in aid of leukameia charity, Bloodwise.
Julian crossed the finish line after one hour and 43 minutes and has smashed his original target of £400, so far raising more than £600 for the cause.
He said: “I’m chuffed to bits with myself – not only to have completed a triathlon, but to have beaten my target time and also raised money for a fantastic cause.”
In preparation for the event, the father of two had been swimming in Ragley lake every Sunday since the end of April.
Julian, who only took up running last year in a bid to lose some weight, said: “With two young boys, one of my main reasons for transforming my weight and health was to have more energy for them.
“It was an amazing experience and I’m hoping to do many more events like this in the future. I’ve even joined a triathlon club.”
Since taking up running in 2015, Julian has lost more than four stone and is keen to continue his efforts towards good health and fitness challenges.
He added: “I think with the changes I’ve made, the hard hours I’ve put in, people have been very supportive.”
In addition to joining a triathlon club, Julian hopes to do a full Olympic distance event before year is out with a 1.5k swim, a 40k bike, and a 10k run.
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