MAN of steel John Lucas broke the pain barrier in an incredible 140 mile, multi-marathon muscle strainer.

Round-the-world adventurer John, a former Leigh St Mary's RC High student, swam 3.8 kilometres, cycled 179.2 kms then ran a 42.2 km marathon in a breathtaking 13 hours 40 minutes and 14 seconds!

The 29 years-old, 6 ft 6in, 14 stone, design engineer completed the New Zealand Weet-Bix Ironman back-t-back events grueller well inside his15 hour target.

And that fulfilled John's latest in a long-list of self-imposed challenges.

Now settled Down Under in Auckland the former Leigh St Joseph's Scout has led an eventful life since taking part in an Operation Raleigh expedition to Malaysia six years ago.

He's skied on the slopes of a volcano, played rugby, soccer and windsurfed and done a spot of "Baywatch" style lifeguard bework.

His parents, John and Margaret, live in Birley Street, Leigh and his proud father said his glutton-for-punishment, but obviously fit-as-a-fiddle son aimed to compete in the Ironman again for the Millennium.

Father John says his son revels in the Kiwi lifestyle:"He returned to Leigh a couple of years ago and enjoyed meeting his old friends. But he has always enjoyed the outdoor life and New Zealand has everything to offer in that line."

Pictured: JOHN Lucas (above right) and fellow marathon men.

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