A GLOBE-TROTTING athlete has become the first person to represent the newly-formed City of Lancaster Triathlon Club (COLT) in competition.
Steve Stretch flew halfway around the world to take part in the 25th anniversary of Ironman New Zealand.
The race was held in Taupo on the North Island of New Zealand on Saturday, March 7, and consisted of a 2.4 mile Swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run.
Steve was competing in his sixth Ironman distance race, and finished in 151st position out of 1,600 competitors, in a time of 10 hours 17 minutes.
The triathlete finished the swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo in 61 minutes, and was out onto the 112 mile bike course after a quick transition.
The bike ride went smoothly, with Steve achieving an average speed of just over 20mph and a split time of five hours 33 minutes.
After a change into running shoes, the hard work really started for superfit Steve, who completed the a marathon run in three hours 35 minutes.
Stretch finished 11th in his age category (45 to 50) and sixth from the UK, a group which included several elite athletes.
COLT was formed three months ago to promote Triathlon locally. For more information visit the club's web site at
www.cityoflancastertriathlon.co.uk