CASTLE Point Joggers member Paul Franklin took part in the testing endurance challenge the Legend Half Triathlon last weekend.

Racing up Snowdonia, in Wales, Franklin put in a fine shift as he completed the course in 7 hours 6 minutes 49 seconds.

Franklin swam 1.2 miles, cycled 56 miles and ran 13.1 miles, a feat made even more remarkable as he beat off a life-threatening cancer seven years ago.

And Franklin, 59, said it was the cycle that really took its toll.

“The swim was steady and uneventful, the run seemed to whizz by, but the bike really hurt,” he said.

“The first six miles of the run got progressively quicker down to an 8m 45s, but the bike ride and especially the climb up through Blaenau Ffestiniog to the (category two) Crimea Pass right after the infamous (category three) “Wall of Rhydd” was hard.

“The five miles on the A5 up to the finish in Capel Curig from Betws-y-Coed was really difficult but I would challenge anyone to find a more stunning and inspirational event.

“For once, I didn’t clock the watch but (mostly) enjoyed it.”

And his son Ben was full of admiration for what he had achieved, taking to social media to praise his father.

“Those who know my Dad will probably be aware that he is a bit of fitness freak,” he said. “And now, seven years after beating a strongly life threatening cancer bout, he has completed the ridiculous Snowdonia Half Ironman!!! ?#?legend ?#?gritty?#?nutcase

Castle Point Joggers member Nicola Walker praised Franklin, a Run England coach, for helping her to run and join the club.

“He is an inspiration to his fellow club members, friends and family alike,” she said.

Elsewhere, Roger and Jude Hare competed nearer to home at the Twilight Half Marathon in Ilford last Saturday.

Roger finished in 33rd position in 2:14.19 and Jude finished in 36th position in 2:23.38.