ANYONE thinking Pete Wright might put his feet up after writing a book chronicling the extreme challenges he has undertaken in recent years might need to think again.
Just weeks after the publication of A Mid-life Less Ordinary, featuring tales of running through deserts, jungles and Arctic tundra, plus the small matter of rowing across the Atlantic, the 52-year-old chief financial officer has confirmed his latest mission.
On the first Saturday in October, Mr Wright will take the plunge at Aquasplash at the start of an Ironman challenge with a difference, with the 2.4 miles of swimming, the 112-mile bike ride and the marathon run repeated every day for an entire week.
Although he has completed a series of gruelling endurance events, including the 3,000-mile trans-Atlantic row in a two-man rowing boat with fellow adventurer Steve Hayes, a marathon in the Amazon and the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert, this will be a first.
“This was something I was lining up a couple of years ago before getting distracted by the Atlantic row,” he said. “At the end of last year I decided it was now or never – it fits in with previous challenges in that I’ve never done a triathlon, let alone an Ironman.
“I’ve committed to the physical training with my personal trainer, Andy Glover, Ironman coach Chris Stephens and physio Kyle Dougherty, and mentally I’ll be aiming to tackle it one stroke, one pedal or one pace at a time.
“I’m apprehensive because things could go wrong, but I’m committed to put myself on the start line and give it a really good go.”
As part of the challenge, dubbed Island Man x 7, Mr Wright will be checking in to the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in St Helier, leaving the maximum time for resting and fuelling when he is not clocking up the miles. He estimates he may be swimming, cycling or running for around 15 hours per day
The father-of-two is aiming to cover 984 miles across the week and raise significant sums for charity.
The challenge is supported by several local businesses, including Prosperity 24/7, Mr Wright’s employer. Other sponsors include KPMG, Rossborough, Boston Jersey, Big Maggy’s, the Cycle Centre, STS Graphics and the Jersey Sports and Spinal Clinic.
A website for online donations is due to go live shortly.
He’s off again – Pete Wright’s latest mission
Four charities will share the proceeds from the week-long Ironman challenge:
- CLIC Sargent, supporting young people with cancer and their families.
- Kezia’s Fund, set up after the death of 14-year-old Islander Kezia Mason to support mental health amongst children and young people.
- Lily’s Fund, to help Lily McGarry cope with the life-changing effects of meningococcal septicaemia.
- The LouLou Race Foundation, which aims to support underfunded young people in their sports aspirations and nurture talent.
