Dibben takes up Ironman challenge (From Wiltshire Times)

Dibben takes up Ironman challenge

8:41am Saturday 29th July 2006 in General Sport

ATHLETICS: CALNE businessman Piers Dibben is taking part in one of the world's toughest physical challenges next month while hoping to raise funds for a Wiltshire youth charity.

Dibben, 39, a director of Calne-based company Healthmatic, has been in training for several months to reach peak physical fitness in time for the UK Ironman Triathlon to be held in the grounds Sherborne Castle, in Dorset, on August 20.

Ironman involves three separate and consecutive events: a 2.4 mile swim in Sherborne Park Lake; a 112-mile cycle race, which entails travelling the undulating terrain from Sherborne to Dorchester and back three times; and finally, a 26.2 mile marathon.

It is expected that some 1,200 athletes will be taking part.

Dibben, a keen runner, cyclist and amateur steeplechase rider, hopes to complete the triathlon in around 15 hours. Winners of each age group will qualify to participate in the World Championships in Hawaii next year.

His chosen charity, Youth Action Wiltshire, aims to promote an active lifestyle and help young people to fulfil their potential to become valued members of their communities.

Dibben said: "My wife, family and colleagues think I'm crazy, but I cannot resist a challenge and the training has enabled me to lose many unwanted pounds and attain a level of fitness I haven't enjoyed for over 20 years."