Bury Constable steps up a Gear for Ultraman 2008

The ultimate endurance challenge is just months away for one Bury St Edmunds police officer, as he prepares to take part in Ultraman Canada.

PC Simon Bourne is one of only 25 people from around the world invited to take part in the event this summer, which consists of three days of grueling running, cycling and swimming.

The event is the culmination of his Ironman2Ultraman challenge which he began last year, to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of his wife's grandfather.

PC Bourne says, "My preparations in 2007 went well, although not without a hiccup! I competed in the World Triathlon Championships for the fourth time, in the 40-44 years age group, completing the 1.8 mile swim, 50 mile bike ride and 12.4 mile run in just over 5 hours.

I then competed in Ironman France, which consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and full marathon, but I suffered from heat exhaustion and was pulled out of the race.

"However, I was allowed to compete in the Ironman UK event in August, and I completed that in a little under 12 hours. The conditions were bad and it's the toughest Ironman course in the world -but it was a piece of cake and I felt fine afterwards!"

PC Bourne, who works with the Youth Offending Team in Bury, is now stepping up his training to prepare for the Ultraman competition - and if you thought Ironman sounded tough, think again! Held in British Columbia between Monday 25th August and Tuesday 2nd September, competitors take part in a 6.2 mile swim, 260 mile bike ride and a double marathon over three days.

"I've been training as much as I can since 1st October - there was no turkey with all the trimmings for me over Christmas, and I spent New Year's Day running in the park! As well as doing 150 miles a week on the bike and 12 kilometres in the pool, I'll also be taking part in competitions like the Bury 20 in February, Bungay Marathon in April and a 110 mile cycle race in Yorkshire in May.

"These events are to help me get used to competing with others, rather than to win. There's no point running at a pace which wins a 20k race if I'm working towards a 50 mile run! Training can be very lonely, as no-one wants to join you if your cycle session is 100 miles or you're swimming for four hours! So these events are very useful to get me in that competitive spirit."

PC Bourne will be focusing his training on cycling and swimming from April, and will go out to Canada 10 days before the Ultraman event begins.

"I am mentally and physically ready for this challenge, and I know what I'm up against. I'll have the chance to look at the course before the event starts, and despite being in Canada the conditions will be warm so I can adapt my training accordingly.

"I feel extremely privileged to be taking part in Ultraman - I will be the first British Police Officer to compete, and one of only two Brits in the competition. I can't wait to move up to Ultraman, which I feel is my natural level. If I don't make the top three it won't be worth the effort - but I intend to win."

Donations can be made to the Ironman2Ultraman appeal by visiting

www.justgiving.com/sbourne