AN Ironman competitor is preparing to test himself against the world’s best again.

Lewis Eccleston, 25, from Astley, finished sixth in his age group in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii last year.

He is setting his sights on finishing one place better by attempting to come fifth in the 25 to 29 age category in October 2019, to claim a podium spot out of around 300 competitors.

In his age group this year, he has finished fourth in the Ironman UK event in Bolton (13th overall), second in the Ironman Wales (17th overall) and won the Sundowner Triathlon.

Builder Lewis, a member of the Manchester Triathlon Club, said: “I have achieved everything I set out to do this year.

"Training has gone perfect and I have stayed injury free.

"I am now looking forward to Kona and it would be the pinnacle for me to get a podium finish which is really difficult.”

Lewis, who joined Astley and Tyldesley Road Runners in 2011, is aware of the importance of community running groups.

He added: “I would encourage more people to get involved in clubs.

"Once you get involved you realise it is a really big community and there is a lot of support for people.

"It gives you a sense of achievement at whatever level you compete at.

"It becomes addictive to set targets in training and better yourself every day.

"Doing the events is exciting too."

Lewis has also heaped praise on the support of his coach Paul Savage, who has competed in Ironman events and has 20 years of coaching and physio experience.

He has thanked the continued support of his family as well as Agfa HealthCare for sponsoring him.

Agfa also publish reports of Lewis' performances and progress on its website regularly.