A TRIATHLETE from York has completed one of his toughest challenges - the Ironman UK 2017 in Bolton - in just over 14 gruelling hours.

Stephen Phillips swam 2.4 miles in a little over an hour and a half, then cycled 112 miles in more than seven hours and then finished off the day by running 26.2 miles in just over five hours.

But the 54-year-old, who is from the Walmgate area and works at City of York Council’s recycling department at Hazel Court, revealed how his first Ironman challenge triumph only happened after a farcical beginning to the day as he was preparing for the swim in a lake.

He said: "It was not the best start at 6am, as I slipped on my behind instead of jumping in the water - but it made people laugh!"

Stephen said that after some "pushing and shoving in the water and people swimming over me", he was off, and he completed the swim in one hour and 31 minutes.

He said: "Then it was straight on to the long bike ride of 112 miles, on a very undulating, two lap course and a total elevation of climbs of 2,030 metres.

"After seven hours and ten minutes of being in the saddle, battling through at least three hours of rain and drizzle, and cycling up what seemed like mountains, the sun started shining.

"Then it was time for the marathon, again on a slightly undulating three lap course, with elevations of 380 metres.

"It was very hot getting round the course, as the sun was out, but the supporters helped me.

"After just over five hours and at about 8.30pm, I finished the run and was pleased to hear my name being called out over the tannoy - 'Stephen Phillips, you are an Ironman'."

Stephen, who is in the Army Medical services based in Leeds, prepared for the big day at a triathlon training camp with the army reserves in Cyprus, and also by competing in Leeds and Manchester half marathons.

He said he was pleased to have reached his fundraising target of £325 for St Leonard’s Hospice, taking his total for charity over the past year to £700.

He said: ""I had completed the Ironman in 14 hours 10 minutes and 46 seconds. That’s the goal I now need to beat next year."