A THORNBURY fitness instructor has successfully completed the hardest one-day endurance event in the world, the Ironman World Championships, after travelling to compete in Hawaii.

Avid triathlete Taryn Roberts, who works at Thornbury Leisure Centre, successfully secured her place in the Kailua-Kona Ironman back in September 2018, after winning the 25-29 age group category at the Ironman Wales event by almost an hour in what was her third attempt at qualifying.

Following a fundraising campaign to help with the cost of entry and travel, Taryn took her place alongside 2,500 of the world’s top athletes compete.

Participants first completed a 2.4-mile swim, then a 122-mile bike ride, and finally a 26.2-mile marathon run.

The course itself took place along the Konu Coast, with competitors having to overcome 45mph crosswinds, and the 35°C heat.

Taryn managed to complete the course in 12 hours and 1 minute. She finished 38th in her division, 332nd in the women’s field, and 1597th overall.

“The entire experience was incredible," she said.

"As a fitness instructor, I’ve always loved sport and pushing myself to achieve new goals – so taking part in the Ironman challenge felt like a natural step to make.

"Having the opportunity to compete alongside such determined and strong athletes from all over the world inspired me to do my best, and I’m now focused on improving my results at the next Ironman World Championships.

“In the lead up to the race, I was training for up to 15 hours a week, so I had to be extremely committed. Luckily, I have a brilliant support base, including the amazing team at the Centre, which definitely helped keep me motivated.”

Frances Snell, centre manager at Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre, said: “We are extremely proud of Taryn for her recent success in the Ironman World Championships. As a company, we aspire make exercise rewarding, fun, and accessible to everyone.

"We already support our local GB athletes by providing free access to our facilities to help them realise their full potential, so it’s brilliant that one of our own instructors is also embarking on such incredible challenges. She is an inspiration to us all!”

Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre is one of five lifestyle Centres operated across South Gloucestershire by not for profit Circadian Trust.

To find out more visit: activecentres.org/centres/thornbury