Epic achievement of last ironman across the line

70 year-old triathlete completes his 43rd Ironman competition

- BY TOM COLEMAN

Incredible scenes as a 70-year-old triathlete edged his way over the finishing line at Ironman Wales race over the weekend

THESE were the incredible scenes as a 70-year-old triathlete edged his way over the finishing line at Ironman Wales race over the weekend.

Kes Aleknavicius, who originally hails from Rochdale, finished his 43rd Ironman in his adopted home of Tenby, where he lives with wife Carol, and delighted onlookers with his heroic push to the line.

A total of 187 competitors took part in the men’s race, which features a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a full marathon, with former Wales rugby hero Shane Williams among them.

Kes clocked in a time of 17 hours 10 minutes on the day, well short his best of 10 hours 20 minutes. Incredibly it was the 43rd Ironman event he has completed.

But while the former college lecturer was the last man to cross the line, his efforts were lapped up by an ecstatic crowd, with supporters lining the streets to cheer him on.