Gavan Hennigan, a 42-year-old native of Galway who completed a solo row of the Atlantic in 2017, has become the first Irish person to not only complete but win a 1,000-mile foot race in Alaska.

This was achieved while experiencing gruelling weather conditions and extremely challenging terrain over 24 days.

Only approximately 50 athletes have completed the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational within the 30 day cut-off period over the 18 years the event has been run.

Gavan is no stranger to the accomplishment of extreme challenges, however, as he previously won the 350-Mile Iditarod Trail foot race and completed a 5,000km solo row of the Atlantic in the Takisker Whisky Challenge in early 2017.

He crossed the finish line amid heavy snowfall in Nome, Alaska in first place with a time of 24 days, 18 hours and nine minutes, completing what race organisers have called a “monumental achievement”.