Marathon test for Iron Man Matthew (From Western Telegraph)

Marathon test for Iron Man Matthew

Running the London Marathon should be enough of a challenge for anyone, but for Matthew Evans it will be virtually a training session for one of the world's toughest endurance tests.

For just two months later, Matthew - a director of Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire and Activity Wales - will be fighting his way through the gruelling Iron Man competition in Zurich.

As well as a marathon-length 26-mile run, the contest features a two-and-a- half-mile swim and a 112-mile bike ride.

"I hadn't cycled for 20 years, but when I received an e-mail one day asking me to take part in the Iron Man, I thought I would be a bit outrageous and go for that as well as the London Marathon," said 32-year-old Matthew, who has just returned home to Lydstep after an Iron Man training camp in Lanzarote.

"I'm doing them both in aid of Cancer Research UK, as I have had family and friends touched by cancer.

"I believe that most people have a personal situation that will make them train, raise money and push themselves in order to raise money for a cause that they believe in."

Matthew - whose father Philip is the chairman of the Wales Tourist Board - is running his second London Marathon, after successfully completing last year's in three hours 29 minutes. He will be among 1,500 runners in aid of Cancer Research UK, and is aiming to raise £5,000.