MARK Russell thought his Ironman days were behind him - but his team-mates at Bolton Tri Club had other ideas.

After a spot of liquid encouragement, the 48-year-old dental technician was convinced to give his home race a shot for the first time, 12 years after he last took on the mammoth challenge of an Ironman-distance event.

And the Worsley-based fitness fanatic did not disappoint, completing the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in 10hrs 28mins 25secs, leading home the 12-strong Bolton Tri team and posting what is understood to be the fastest time of any local competitor.

"My time at Bolton was actually the slowest of my four Ironman events," said Russell, who took part in the Longest Day event in Wolverhampton on three consecutive years, between 2002 and 2004, posting a best time of 9:39:00 in 2003.

"But I would say it was my best ever performance, certainly the one I'm most proud of, as the Bolton course is much slower and more difficult than the event in Wolverhampton. You can’t really compare the two."

Russell finished the swim in Pennington Flash in 1:03:32, and battled his way up Sheephouse Lane twice to complete the punishing bike course in 5:45:01 before clocking a time of 3:26:52 for the closing marathon.

The overall time was enough to claim third place in the 45-49 age group, finishing just 17 minutes behind the eventual winner.

His achievement also earned Russell a spot at the World Ironman Championships, which take place in Kona, Hawaii, in September, although Russell will not be able to take up his place due to family commitments.

"Qualifying for Kona was my aim, even thought I knew I wouldn't be able to actually go - I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it," he said.

"I think with the World Championships being in September will always make it difficult to plan for.

"I must admit, I don’t fancy putting my body through that again so soon - that's the problem with Ironman UK being so late in the summer.

"Ideally, if I did ever go to Kona it would be when I was at the bottom of my age group, to give me the biggest chance of making an impact, so maybe I will try again when I am 50."

It could be that the dad calls time on his Ironman days after a successful crack at the Bolton race.

He admits juggling a full-time job with being a young dad makes training for the Ironman difficult.

Russell would cycle or run to and from work in Salford Quays to fit in the hours, as well as early-morning swim sessions with Bolton Tri team-mates at Farnworth and Ladybridge pools, and weekend bike and running training at Leverhulme Park.

His main motivation was not to makes sure he did not let his team-mates down, a pressure that he admits got to him on the day.

"After my last one in 2004, I wasn’t intending to do another one," said Russell.

"I have been happy doing shorter triathlons and marathons, but was goaded into entering by my club-mates.

"They were all telling me that it was my hometown Ironman, that I had to try it and they were sure I would get a good time.

"I had had a few beers and it sounded like a good idea, so I entered the next day.

"I had been in good form, I ran my fastest ever marathon in Wrexham last year (2:39:00) so I was hopeful of getting a good time.

"The funny thing is that I felt quite a lot of pressure going into it. I didn’t want to let anyone down as they were all expecting me to run quick.

"So I didn’t actually enjoy the day that much really and was relieved when it was over.

"But I was pleased to do it for my mates at Bolton Tri, who have been brilliant.

"From the training right through to the day itself, they certainly played a big part in getting me round.

"I could hear them cheering me on, especially on the marathon course, and that really gave me the boost I needed to finish it."