FROM climbing Mount Kilimanjaro dressed as a penguin to cycling 16,000 miles around the world, Sean Conway loves a challenge.
But now the 32-year-old from Cheltenham is set to take on perhaps the most gruelling task of his adventure-filled life.
He has been selected to tackle the treacherous 13-mile Fisherman's Friend Strongman Run and obstacle course at the Nurburgring, a motorsports complex in Germany.
Sean will be representing Great Britain with 11 others at the international meet, which will see him compete against 10,000 people from around the world.
The runners will face an array of difficult obstacles, including plunging into a pool of ice cold water, suffering electric shocks and braving swamps of quicksand.
Sean said: "I've been training hard since the start of the year to take on this challenge but fear it will be one of the toughest races I've ever attempted.
"I'm just hoping that I get round in one piece and finish in a good position to make Team GB proud."
He cycled 16,000 miles around the world last year and once climbed Mount Kilimanjaro dressed as a penguin, all to raise money for charity.
"I have actually never done a marathon, which is why I love getting stuck into this," he said. "It makes it a challenge.
"I firmly believe that, with the right attitude and training, anyone can achieve what they thought was impossible. It's all about the mindset. I am trying to show people that."
Having grown up in South Africa, the Cheltenham resident has been back in his home country in the last two months training for the challenge.
He has been strengthening his legs in the gym, cycling and swimming to prepare for the arduous task ahead.
Included in the training regime are activities such as running on beaches and sea swimming.
He said: "My family over the last 100 years has moved from Cheltenham, then to Africa and I'm now finally back in Cheltenham 100 years later.
"I grew up in South Africa, where my father still lives, so I go out as much as I can. I am very proud to represent Britain.
"When I was asked to be part of Team GB, I said yes straight away."
He added: "Cheltenham and the surrounding areas are great places to train. There is quite a competitive sporting community, which I love."
Sean said he expects the Strongman Run to be a "mud fest" but also to be a really great experience.
