Man completes double Ironman challenge in Jersey

Joe Parkinson was surrounded by friends and family as he finished the challenge

A man has completed a double Ironman challenge in Jersey.

Joe Parkinson swam, cycled, and ran a total of 451.9km (280.8 miles) in 32 hours and 25 minutes on Saturday and Sunday.

He started with a 7.6km (4.7 miles) swim, followed by a 360km (223.7 miles) bike ride, and finished with a 84.4km (52.4 miles) run.

Mr Parkinson said the level of support he received on the challenge “was just unbelievable” and it was "the hardest to get my head around”.

He began the challenge at St Catherine's Breakwater at 08:00 on Saturday

Mr Parkinson has taken on extreme challenges before, including in 2023 with 12 marathons in 12 days to raise money for mental health charity Mind Jersey.

However, he said this challenge was especially difficult.

Mr Parkinson said “from 50km (31 miles) in the run it got really, really challenging”.

He added “it was special” to have friends and family around him as he finished in St Helier on Sunday.

“I just see myself as an average bloke who is challenging himself and I would encourage others to push themselves too. So if this encourages someone to take on a challenge then great."

But Mr Parkinson added that “I don’t see myself as an inspiration”.

He spent 13 hours and 40 minutes in the bike saddle as part of his challenge