Flintshire athlete's triathlon challenge for sports charity

Sean Conway, who lives in Rhydymwyn, is taking on 102 full distance triathlons in as many days.

The extreme endurance adventurer has completed 51 consecutive full distance triathlons so far on his latest world record attempt.

Sean Conway during his swim on day 51 of his 102-day triathlon record breaking attempt. Photo: Justin Fletcher Photography

This challenge sees 42-year-old Sean swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run 26.2 miles (a marathon) daily for 102 days to set a new world record.

The swim is based at Mold Sports Centre from 5am to about 6.30am, the cycle stage leaves the sports centre around 6.40am out to Holt, then ends in Queensferry in Deeside, where he starts the run around the Chester Greenway.

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Sean started on Monday, April 10 and has now completed 51 consecutive days which in fact, has broken the British and European Records.

The challenge is to beat 101 days set by James Lawrence, the American based triathlete who set the record in 2021.

Sean Conway cycling on day 51 of his 102-day triathlon record breaking attempt. Photo: Justin Fletcher Photography

When asked how he found his first 51 days so far, Sean said: "Day one, I felt strong, then day two and three were the toughest as my body adjusted despite the hours spent training.

"In the first couple of weeks, lack of sleep was an issue: my body just didn't want to shut down at the end of the day and I would wake up at 2am, two hours before my alarm was due to go off. I got into a rhythm around day 14, as momentum built on my social media.

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"It meant more people joined me for the swim, cycle and run which gave me a real boost.

"At the moment, one of the most difficult parts has been eating 8,000 calories a day, I feel full constantly but just need to get fuel in me. I feel strong and ready to smash the next 51 days."

Sean Conway running on day 51 of his 102-day triathlon record breaking attempt. Photo: Justin Fletcher Photography

Born in Zimbabwe and growing up in South Africa, Sean, who had an adventurous upbringing in the middle of the African bush, now lives in North Wales with his wife and two children. Sean holds the record for the world's longest Ultra Triathlon, fastest crossing of Europe by bicycle and first person to swim the length of Britain.

This latest record attempt is a new approach to adventure for Sean, normally self-supported, this gruelling challenge sees him working with a team from nutritionists, doctors, physios, specialist triathlon coaches and in addition raising funds for a local charity close to his heart.

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Charity True Venture aims to inspire and support children and young athletes by improving access to positive opportunities through sport so they can connect with and reach their potential.

Ryan Morrison, founding partner, said: "We believe that all children and young athletes should be given an equal opportunity to enter and succeed in sport. We are thrilled Sean is our Ambassador and is helping raise funds and awareness of our Foundation.

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"He is an inspiration to all but especially young people in sport, showing them anything is possible. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, from those who have done or are planning their own virtual challenge, schools, individuals and sports clubs, your generous donations will open the doors for young people in sport. Thank you."

True Venture has set up a dedicated donation page for the 102 Full Distance Triathlon world record attempt where you can support the challenge, visit trueventure.org.uk/donate-iron102 for full details.

Sean is set to finish the 102 days on Thursday, July 20, 2023. You can join Sean throughout the challenge on the cycle and run legs and on organised open swim sessions via True Venture. Sean is especially encouraging riders to join him daily either for part or the full 112 miles. Visit seanconway.com to follow his live tracking map and to find out more information.