Local builder constructor and triathlete Nigel Merrony is about to take on one of the biggest sporting events of his life.

Sixty-one-year-old Nigel is in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for the Ironman World Championships presented by GoPro.

A total of 2,300 athletes from all corners of the world and all walks of life will be taking part in tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) event, billed as the world’s most iconic endurance event.

Competing in the 60-64 category, Nigel qualified for the challenge following his third Ironman Wales race in 2014 when he crossed the red carpet finish in 12 hours and 58 seconds.

Also taking part tomorrow is David Francis (40-44 category) from Castlemartin.

Said Nigel: “I have been looking forward to this event with both excitement and trepidation. I was very fortunate to qualify for Kona. I am going to do my best, but also try to enjoy the experience.”

Nigel flew to Hawaii last Thursday and began training in the heat and humidity as soon as he arrived.

Nigel continued: “Temperature in the afternoon most days is in the 90s. All my cycle training is carried out on the Queen K Highway which will be the main part of the bike course. The high temperature is bad enough, but combined with traffic travelling at high speed, it has been very scary! The swim has been the other extreme. The sea is like a warm bath, alive with brightly coloured fish and coral. I am looking forward to the event, although it is a bit daunting as I am in the company of the best Ironman triathletes in the world!”

The race can be viewed with live streaming on ironman.com

Meanwhile, entries for Ironman Wales 2016 are open at ironman.com/wales