TAKING on either a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle or a marathon run would present most athletes with a significant challenge.

But for Dunfermline triathlete Iain Taylor, the challenge was not whether he could complete each event – it was whether he could do them one after the other with no rest in between.

He joined 2600 athletes in travelling to Catalonia to take on the Barcelona Ironman challenge on Sunday 5th October in an event which presents the ultimate distance and test for those involved with the sport.

Iain (46) was competing in his second Ironman after an event in Wales in 2011, where he finished in a time of 13 hours and 17 minutes. He clocked 1:22.01 for the swim, 5:32.35 on the bike and 4:05.04, including transition, for a final time of 11 hours, eight minutes and eight seconds.

A member of Dunfermline Cycling Club, Iain took up triathlon four years ago and told Press Sport, “I am absolutely delighted because although you are striving for a good time, completing it is a significant achievement.

“I flew from Newcastle and drove 119 miles to get there which is only seven miles shorter than the bike ride, which had a marathon run at the end of it! It puts it into a bit of perspective. It is seen as the ultimate challenge within triathlon so although I hoped to do it in under 11 hours, I’m absolutely delighted with my overall performance and how the event went.

“I do like setting myself a challenge and always had a temptation to try it. After I completed the first one in Wales – which was more a case of ticking the box – I knew that I would go and do another one.

“With this one I did more specific training for it but it is not a distance to be under-estimated. For the last few miles I was asking myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ but it is a fantastic way of keeping fit and is a sport for all abilities.” Iain continued, “Running was always my strong point and after I started cycling as well, I thought that I may as well introduce swimming too. The three events are part of my daily routine now and I forget sometimes that I’m getting older! I had a lot of guidance from Mike Joiner, who has done several Ironmans in the past, and had great support from my wife.

“But I really enjoy encouraging others to get involved in sport. Ironman is a bit like running; you’ll maybe start with a 5K before building up to a marathon.

“Everyone is really supportive and if I can help others take up sport then I’ll be happy.”