Neil Hunter from Great Harwood has become an Ironman Age-Group World Champion after winning his category at the VinFast Ironman World Championship in Nice, France.

The event, held on Sunday, 14 September 2025, featured a 3.8km non-wetsuit open-water sea swim, followed by a 180km bike ride through the mountainous terrain surrounding Nice, and a full marathon. Neil completed the race in 11 hours and 26 minutes, finishing ahead of all other competitors in his age group.

The swim took Hunter 78 minutes, followed by a 6-hour 9-minute bike leg and a 3-hour 38-minute marathon. His final position was secured in dramatic fashion after a gruelling final run leg, during which he collapsed several times due to exhaustion in the heat.

Neil Hunter said: “I knew I was in great shape, but I pushed myself harder than I’ve ever done. The last few kilometres were brutal – I could barely stand. But I knew I might never have this chance again, so I just kept going. Crawling over the finish line wasn’t quite how I imagined it, but I got there.”

The 2025 VinFast Ironman World Championship brought together top amateur triathletes from around the world, with competitors qualifying through regional events. The bike leg included more than 2,400 metres of climbing through the Alpes-Maritimes, while temperatures on the run course reached 30°C.

Neil’s participation in the event was supported by Blackpool-based financial planning firm Questa, whose sponsorship has helped fund his racing schedule throughout 2025. He has already secured a European Duathlon Championship title this year and is due to compete in further European and World triathlon events.

Stuart Dewin, Director at Questa, said: “We’ve followed Neil’s journey closely this year, and what he achieved in Nice is nothing short of incredible. To see him dig that deep and come out as a world champion is inspiring. We’re proud to play a small part in helping him chase down these goals – and what a way to do it.”

Neil Hunter said: “This was always going to be the biggest race of my year – and probably my life. Having Questa behind me means I’ve been able to train properly and travel to events like this. I can’t thank them enough. What a day – it’s one I’ll never forget.”