Ultra Triathlon Endurance & Challenges – Chris Leek Inspiring Leadership interview with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE

Christopher Leek – Ultra Marathon and challenges. UK Export Manager at Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I

Chris Leek, 33 from Orpington, Kent, tackled the infamous Enduroman Arch 2 Arc challenge, an unparalleled triathlon consisting of an 87-mile run from London’s Marble Arch to Dover followed by a 21-mile swim across the English Channel, and a 181-mile bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Only 34 individuals had ever completed the entire challenge solo, while only four individuals have completed it on their own without wearing a wetsuit for the Channel swim – an exclusive group Chris not only joined but did so in a World record time for a non-wetsuit solo effort in 69hrs 29 mins. An amateur athlete with no professional training, Chris took on this challenge for his father Dennis, who has both Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia and is cared for full-time by Chris’ mother Linda. Aiming to raise awareness and £1 million in sponsorship for three charities; Parkinson’s UK, Lewy Body Society and Orpington’s Saxon Day Centre. The Enduroman A2A usually takes three years to train for, however Chris attempted the mammoth challenge with only eight months of training. With this being said, between cold water swims in Dover Harbour and 50-mile weekend runs around Kent, Chris’ training is still no small feat.

Despite the intense training regime, Chris still managed to lead a balanced lifestyle: helping to care for his father while splitting his remaining time between his wife Charlotte & dog Parker and his job at Budweiser Brewing Group, and still managing to find time to share a beer or two with his close circle of friends.

On his Linkedin Chris modestly says: In August 2016, I swam the English Channel, unaided.
This determination and commitment to achieve a life goal, is the attitude I portray in everyday life.

For me Chris encapsulates everything I look for in an inspiring leader: setting himself big hairy audacious goals, working hard day after day to get yourself fit and healthy, overcoming immense challenges and setbacks and then finally achieving the goal. Yes at the end he is a man of great humility humanity and humour who thinks of others such as his father and charity fundraising role than putting himself first.