Andrew Thompson completed his first Ironman Triathlon and fundraised over AU$4,300 (approx. US$2,800) for ADRA Australia.

A full-distance Ironman Triathlon is a 3.8-kilometer swim followed by a 180-kilometer cycle, then finishing with a full 42.2-kilometer marathon run. On May 7, 2023, Thompson completed the Ironman Triathlon in a time of just over 14 hours and 37 minutes.

“I decided to do an Ironman Triathlon to raise money to support the people that ADRA helps,” Thompson said. “What’s the point of all that self-inflicted pain and suffering just for the superficial bragging rights of being an Ironman? For me, it needed to have a bigger purpose. The people that I’m raising money to help are doing it tough day in and day out, not just for 15 hours.”

An outdoors person by nature, adventure and fitness challenges are a constant in Thompson’s life.

“I’m a follower of Jesus that also loves the outdoors, fitness, and a challenge,” Thompson said. “I’ve always pushed myself to improve and try harder things through multipitch traditional rock climbing, white water kayaking, multi-day sea kayaking expeditions, and multi-day backcountry alpine expeditions.”

Always looking for the next big challenge, Thompson turned to triathlons. He tried his first triathlon in 2021 and was hooked instantly.

“I’ve become addicted to long-distance running, cycling, and swimming because it has helped me find mental focus, joy in the present moment, and a time of no distractions,” Thompson said. “So when I had heard about the full-distance Ironman Triathlons, I was captivated by the challenge.”

Thompson’s fundraising goal is to reach AU$5650, or AU$25 for every one of the 226 kilometers he covered in the Ironman. Donations to support his extraordinary efforts are still being accepted. To contribute, visit bit.ly/ironmanforadra.

The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.