Danica Bonello Spiteri experienced one of her toughest challenges so far in her sporting career to complete the Lake District Half Ironman held recently in the UK.

She covered the distance in six hours two minutes for a creditable ninth position, just 22 minutes behind the winner.

It was no straightforward race for the Malta champion as she battled the freezing waters of Lake Ullswater, exiting in second place before the 90km bike ride which took her up gruelling climbs of the Kirkstone Pass in the District area.

Bonello Spiteri did not have an ideal bike split, however, as she suffered badly in the steep inclinations of the route, losing precious ground on the more bike-oriented triathletes and slipping to 13th place in the provisional standings.

It was a different story though in the remaining segment as Bonello Spiteri hit back with a superb run to regain what she had lost and entering in the top ten of the race.

The run, mostly held on rugged terrain, saw Bonello Spiteri trek up steep, muddy hills and catching up even on male competitors.

After over six hours of swimming, cycling and running she crossed the line in ninth place.

“This was by far harder than the Austria Ironman I did two years ago, the terrain was not at all forgiving and the wind and cold temperature did not help either,” Bonello Spiteri said.

“I really suffered in the bike but in the run I felt more comfortable and started pushing the pace till the finish.”

The running section was a new experience, since it was all ‘fell running’ and requires special shoes and techniques.

“Running with my normal shoes caused me to slip and fall on two occasions, but this did not hinder my progress, I just got up from the mud and continued running,” Bonello Spiteri added.

At present, Bonello Spiteri is specialising in sport and exercise medicine in the UK and competes for the renowned Leeds and Bradford Triathlon Club, the same club of world class triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee.