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Man completes double Ironman challenge in Jersey

News imageMax Burnett Joe smiles as he runs through the finish tape. He's wearing a white running top and people in the background are taking photos and clapping him. His hair is tied into a bun at the back of his head and his hair is shaved on the sides. He has a long beard as well.Max Burnett
Joe Parkinson was surrounded by friends and family as he finished the challenge

A man has completed a double Ironman challenge in Jersey.

Joe Parkinson swam, cycled, and ran a total of 451.9km (280.8 miles) in 32 hours and 25 minutes on Saturday and Sunday.

He started with a 7.6km (4.7 miles) swim, followed by a 360km (223.7 miles) bike ride, and finished with a 84.4km (52.4 miles) run.

Mr Parkinson said the level of support he received on the challenge “was just unbelievable” and it was "the hardest to get my head around”.

News imageMax Burnett Joe is entering the sea in a swimsuit with his back to the camera as the sun rises over the breakwater. There are slight waves in the sea and Joe has a swim cap on with a safety buoy tied to his waist.Max Burnett
He began the challenge at St Catherine's Breakwater at 08:00 on Saturday

Mr Parkinson has taken on extreme challenges before, including in 2023 with 12 marathons in 12 days to raise money for mental health charity Mind Jersey.

However, he said this challenge was especially difficult.

Mr Parkinson said “from 50km (31 miles) in the run it got really, really challenging”.

He added “it was special” to have friends and family around him as he finished in St Helier on Sunday.

“I just see myself as an average bloke who is challenging himself and I would encourage others to push themselves too. So if this encourages someone to take on a challenge then great."

But Mr Parkinson added that “I don’t see myself as an inspiration”.

News imageMax Burnett Joe leans forward as he cycles along. He's wearing a black helmet and sunglasses with a white short-sleeved top with black shorts. His ponytail sticks out from under the helmet as he cycles around a bend in the road and the background is blured behind him as Joe is cycling at speed.Max Burnett
He spent 13 hours and 40 minutes in the bike saddle as part of his challenge

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