UTAH COUNTY -- The finish line is in sight.
James Lawrence, dubbed The Iron Cowboy, set a new world record Saturday after he completed his challenge to run 50 full-course Ironman triathlon courses in 50 days throughout 50 U.S. states.
Lawrence, of Lindon, finished his journey at the Electric Park in Lehi Saturday afternoon.
Lawrence began his 50-50-50 challenge on June 6 after he completed his first full triathlon in Kaua`i, Hawai`i.
As a father of five young elementary school children, Lawrence said he was inspired to embark on the challenge to raise awareness about childhood obesity, motivate others to make healthy lifestyle choices and set the best example he can for his kids.
"It's for my children. Everything I do, I do for them. I try to set examples for them. I try to set big goals and accomplish them," Lawrence said. "I want to be around for them as long as I can, and this is my motivation to get up and do those things."
In addition to showcasing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to his own kids, the Lindon man hopes to spread the message to children and families everywhere about the importance of making lifestyle changes that emphasize fitness, activity and healthy habits as a family.
"There is a massive epidemic in this country. We're obese, and it’s a problem. We need to make some serious changes in our lives," he said. "We need to change the way we eat, we need to change our activity levels, and we need to change our lifestyles."
"You know after our first couple of world records, they didn't quite have the impact that he wanted to have and so he knew he had to get bigger and badder and no one's listening unless it's crazy," said Sunny Lawrence, James' wife.
