Alex takes on the world's toughest triathlon contest

A Sunderland mam has made it all the way to the world's toughest triathlon. Alex Noonan will compete on the world's biggest triathlon stage when she takes on the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii this October.

- by Katy Wheeler

It's been no mean feat getting this far in the sport, getting up at 4.30am to train daily, sometimes twice a day, across the three triathlon disciplines of swimming, running and cycling-and the 34-year-old says it's a dream come true to get this far.

Alex, who lives in Houghton, has been chasing her Ironman dream since she was 14, when she first set her sights on one day racing at the world championships after being inspired by her dad and friend's sister who competed in the gruelling sport.