Sean Conway sets new 105-day World Record for consecutive Iron-Distance Triathlons
On 20th July 2023 Sean Conway completed 102 long-distance triathlons, one more than James Lawrence’s (AKA, the Iron Cowboy) the previous record holder who inspired him to take on this amazing endurance challenge. He subsequently went on to complete 105.
For most of us just doing one would be an amazing experience. It’s hard to imagine completing 105, it’s an unbelievable achievement.
An iron-distance triathlon is made up of consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.2 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2 km) run completed in that order, a total of 140.6 miles (226.3 km).
Reflecting on his success after taking the record, Sean, an endurance athlete who loves taking on quirky challenges, said “I don’t know what to say really. I thought of potentially doing 100 back in 2018 but put it aside to get married to my incredible wife and start a family. Then last year, I failed at Iron102, and only made it to day 7. I started to think I wasn’t cut out for this, then once I’d recovered, I believed I could, and just had to have another crack at it. This has been by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’ll be hard to top this. A huge thanks to James Lawrence for setting such a high bar for me. Thanks to all the riders and runners who selflessly took time out to do the same lapped course every day in the sodding rain at times. We’ll be friends for life. Most importantly a huge thank you to my crew. Ryan, Chris, Chris, Phil, Justin, Simon, Charlie, Vicky and Caroline. This record is as much yours as it is mine! Lastly thank you to all of you who’ve supported me through the highs and lows. This is for you.”
The challenge now is what next but first he’s having a well-earned rest.
