Tom battles the elements

5:40pm Friday 22nd August 2008

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TOM Harper battled through sub-zero temperatures, raging winds and torrential rain to complete a gruelling ultra-triathlon in Switzerland.

The former Hereford Cathedral School pupil finished the 140-mile Ironman Switzerland challenge in 11-and-a-half hours.

Harper, 23, had never before taken part in either a triathlon or a marathon, so it was a remarkable achievement for the ex-Brockhampton cricketer.

Harper completed the swimming leg of 2.4 miles in just over an hour and he braved the freezing temperatures over the 112-mile cycling leg for a further six-and-a-half hours.

At the end of the cycling leg, around 200 other competitors abandoned the race because of the cold - but Harper continued undeterred.

Harper went on to finish the 26-mile marathon stage in just under four hours after hitting the wall only eight miles in.

Harper completed the triathalon in 11-and-a-half hours, coming 14th overall in his age group, in a field totalling 2,400 athletes.

He said: “After a prolonged period of walking like John Wayne and refusing to take off my finishers’ t-shirt I vowed never to race an Ironman again. I had started my training last December but I still felt a tad undercooked!”

Harper wants to thank everyone who has supported his challenge which has raised more than £1,000 for the Taste of Adventure Centre and Brockhampton Cricket Club.