New world record: 102 consecutive Ironman-distance triathlons across 102 days

On July 20, British endurance athlete Sean Conway broke the world record for consecutive Ironman-distance triathlons, completing 102 Ironman-distance triathlons in as many days. After more than three months, he has surpassed the previous world record of 101 Ironman-distance triathlons in 101 days.

Every day since Monday April 10, Conway has swum 2.5 miles, cycled 112 miles and run 26.2 miles. Each triathlon took him around 14 hours, starting at 5am at Mold leisure centre in Wales, and finishing at about 7pm with a much-needed trip to the physio.

© David Altabev

Conway on his final leg of the record

Over the course of the record, Conway has covered 23,096km, and raised £70,000/€80,000/$90,000 for his chosen charity partner, True Venture. Each day, he’s consumed 6,000-8,000 calories, even resorting to eating pots of double cream to bolster his energy intake.

On completing his world record attempt, Conway said: “It’s been by far the toughest three months of my life. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on my worst enemy but I’m so proud of what the team and I have achieved.

“Thinking back, my lowest moment was early on in the challenge. On day two I almost missed the 17 hour cut off by a matter of minutes and the realisation that I might have bitten off more than I can chew.

“The best bit by far has been the community of swimmers, cyclists and runners who selflessly came out day after day no matter the weather to support me. You know who you are, I’ll be forever grateful.”

© Justin Fletcher Photography

Conway has battled bad weather and illnesses, but it was all smiles for the final day

This is the latest addition to a sizeable collection of World Records for Conway. He is a career adventurer, with a wide portfolio of similarly gruelling challenges. In 2013, he became the first person to swim the length of Britain; in 2018 he completed the world's longest triathlon when he swam, cycled and ran the length of Britain; and in 2019 he rode from Portugal to Russia in record time.

Conway was thankful for the support of his team and the community, saying: “I couldn’t have done it without my dedicated support crew and the incredible backing of the community that followed the challenge on the road and online. You kept me going and I can’t thank you enough.”

Visit seanconway.com to read more about this and other adventures from Conway.