BURY Athletics Club had two members – Tony Cullen and Nigel Brady – competing in the gruelling Ironman UK event around the roads of Wigan and Bolton.

Cullen, from Whitefield, produced a spectacular performance to take 15th place overall out of more than 2,000 registered triathletes and he was first-placed in the V40-44 category.

His cumulative time for the 3.8 km swim, 180.3 km bike ride and 42.2 km run was an impressive 9:53:05.

For Ironman veteran Cullen the UK championships is his local race and the 42-year-old is no stranger to the special atmosphere out on the course, but after going under 10 hours for the first time, this year was extra special.

“It’s incredible, I’m over the moon, I couldn’t have asked for anymore really,” he said, after coming home in 9:54:05 to win the 40-44 age group and finish 15th overall.

“I have been here a few times now and I don’t really feel as though I have been able to give it my best performance.

“There has always been an excuse behind it but this year there were no excuses.

“I just can’t believe it. It has been a really great day. To win my age group, I am really pleased with that.

“I got a puncture at the back end of the bike but luckily my pit stop worked and I was able to get back on in a couple of minutes.

“This is by far my best result here.

“I am 20 minutes faster this year and I have never won my age group before.

“And obviously to go under 10 hours is incredible for me.

“I know I keep saying it but I am just so pleased, honestly.

“I worked so hard for that. I am now going to take up my place for Kone.”

Brady completed his transition from starting as a member of the jogging group to becoming an Ironman by completing the course in 15:49:47.

Nigel embodies the growing can-do attitude in the club that is seeing a growing number of athletes who start in the club’s popular jogging section and who move on to compete over 10k, fell or marathon distances.