Londoner smashes world record for 289-mile triathlon by more
than four hours
The Evening Standard
Chris finished the gruelling triathlon on Tuesday ( Aurelien
Meunier )
A Londoner has broken the world record for an epic 289-mile
triathlon from London
to Paris by over four hours.
Chris Leek set a time of 69 hours and 29 minutes,
shaving four hours and ten minutes off the previous record of 73 hours and
39 minutes held by Mark Bayliss since 2012.
The 32-year-old from Orpington, Kent, completed an 87-mile
run from Marble Arch to Dover, followed by a 21 mile swim across the English
Channel, and a 181-mile bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
He also became only the fifth competitor ever to complete
the feat without wearing a wetsuit for the Channel swim section,
After setting off
at 5pm on August 2, Mr Leek arrived in the French capital on
Tuesday.
Chris and his dad Dennis at the finish line in Paris (Aurelien
Meunier)
He said: “I’m completely lost for words. That was the
hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I can’t thank everyone who has helped me and
supported me on this journey.
“I genuinely can’t believe it’s over. I am tired. I am
proper tired!”
Chris (with mum Linda) smashed the world record by four
hours (Aurelien Meunier)
Mr Leek, a beer sales manager, is hoping to raise £1 million
for charities which are close to his heart: Parkinson’s UK, Lewy Body Society
and Saxon Day Centre.
His father Dennis, who is now 64, was diagnosed with
Parkinsons at 49, before being diagnosed with dementia at 57.
The record-breaking attempt is made all the more impressive
by the fact that he only trained for eight months, compared to most people, who
train for around three years before launching the attempt.
Chris and his supporters at the start line at Marble Arch
(Charlie Crowhurst)
Linda Leek, Chris’ mother, says: “We have great pride in our
son and what he’s done for his dad and those in similar positions. His training
has taken up a massive part of all of our lives and it’s incredible that his
wife, two sisters, friends and family have been able to support him through it
all.
“He’s always been very competitive, if he’s doing anything,
he does it to win. Now the whole world knows that they don’t mess about with
Christopher Leek! We love him very much.”
Mr Leek’s effort was sponsored by beer brand Michelob Ultra,
who are offering a ‘pint of thanks’ to all who sponsor him.
To sponsor Chris, visit his Virgin Money Giving page.
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This is my own daily problems, but I would gladly share anyone elses, if they send them in,