FOR most people a trip to Hawaii would entail lounging on the beach, performing the Hula and sipping on cocktails.

But for three Barrovians a visit to the luxury island was for a much more active reason.

Lauren Minnican and her husband Fraser travelled with Grant Johnson to take on the Ironman World Championships after they qualified for the competition this year.

The trio completed the cycling, running, and swimming route on October 6 and 8 respectively.

The Ironman World Championship has taken place in Hawaii since 1978, and is organised by the World Triathlon Corporation.

Grant said: “It was brilliant when we were out there.

“I felt I did well. I was the second Brit to finish. I finished in nine hours and three minutes."

Fraser got the fastest swim of the whole event but he had some cramping issues on the bike, but it ended up being him and Lauren crossing the line together as husband and wife.

“Fraser came in eleven and a half hours, and Lauren was twelve and a half. But she had started an hour before so they finished together.

“This is my first year in triathlon. I came from a running background but I took some time out due to Covid and for getting married.

“During that I got into cycling. Last year when I turned 30 I decided to do an ironman challenge to celebrate my 30th year being on the planet basically.

“I did it in Bolton in July and qualified for the world championships. It was one of those must do activities.

“Along the road of training I got in touch with Fraser and Lauren. It created a friendship.

“We were in Hawaii for ten days. We flew out on the 30th, and my race was on October 8 and Fraser came out on the 25th and did his race on October 6.

“It was such a good time and we’ve got some great memories.

“We were running with Jamerson coaching and they did so much for us, and we’d like to thank our sponsors Polly Roof ltd and Orsted.”

READ MORE: Jordan Hammond takes on the Ironman challenge for Ulverston's St Mary's Hospice