AN experienced solicitor from Chester-based legal firm Aaron and Partners is celebrating after completing the Ironman Hamburg Triathlon with a new personal best.

Steph King, 26, successfully balances her commercial property duties with intense training to finish ninth in her age group with a time of 11 hours, 56 minutes and 40 seconds.

The race, held in 33C heat, saw Steph tackle a 3.8km swim, 186km cycle and 42.2km run in the Ironman event, which is recognised as the toughest type of triathlon.

Now, following just seven days’ rest, the real estate solicitor from Saltney is back in training to compete at the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final, and relishing the challenge ahead.

She said: “Completing an Ironman is such a tough challenge, so securing a personal best is a really fantastic achievement, and a great boost ahead of the World Series in September.

“The course was particularly hard due to the extreme heat and very choppy waters during the swim, which I managed to complete in one hour and 24 minutes, even though I’m not a naturally strong swimmer.”

Steph, who did her first Ironman just three years ago after searching for ‘the hardest triathlon you can do’, has secured sponsorship from her employer Aaron & Partners to support her efforts in the upcoming World Triathlon Series.

She added: “I’m so thankful for all the support Aaron and Partners have given me, I train between 15 and 25 hours per week and stick to a dedicated plan, which can be difficult to balance alongside my work as a Real Estate solicitor.

“All of the team at Aaron and Partners are really supportive, and even tracked me during the race in Hamburg to keep up with my progress.”

Alongside support from her colleagues, Steph has received sponsorship from Wrexham-based copy firm Rawson Digital, who have endorsed her for a number of years.

Vaughn Rawson, managing director of Rawson Digital, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to sponsor Stephanie for the second year running. She's a truly inspirational young woman.

"I'm so impressed by her dedication and desire to push herself to the absolute limit, and we wish her all the best for the World Series in Switzerland."

Aaron & Partners LLP is a top 200 law firm, employing more than 140 staff across its three offices, in Chester, Shrewsbury and Manchester and provides legal services to those who own, run or invest in businesses.