Hodgson, along with Paul Humphreys, has been one of driving forces behind the sport in Maitland and the Hunter and he is about to test himself in its most challenging form the Hawaiian Ironman.

“This will be my 20^th Ironman, but definitely the biggest challenge as Hawaii is where it all started and the heat and humidity test you to the full,” the 44-year old Hodgson, who flies out on Friday, said.

Gruelling is an understatement in describing the event which consists of a 3.86km swim, 180.25km  bicycle ride and a marathon (42.20km) run to finish it off.

“I just love the challenge. Hawaii is the ultimate, you’ve got to somehow qualify to get there,” Hodgson, who has just over a week to aclimatise before the event on October 13..

“I was lucky enough to qualify through what they call the legacy program because I’ve done 12 or more ironmans.

“You get one chance, they give away 100 each year to reward athletes who wouldn’t win their age groups but do a lot of ironmans in Australia or around the world.

“They give you one spot to have a crack at Hawaii and maybe tick it off your bucket list or your dream.”

Hodgson officially became a legend in the sport when he completed his 10^th Australian Ironman.

He ran his first at 19 in 1995 at Forster and average one a year for 11 years before taking a break when the event moved to Port Macquarie.

His interest was piqued again for the 25^th anniversary event and after missing the year after has competed each year since.

“I did my first triathlon when I was 14 at Raymond Terrace, but they weren’t around like they are now as a pathway for the kids,” Hodgson said.

“In 1994 I watched my first ironman at Forster and the next year in 1995 I did my first ironman.”

Hodgson’s fastest time is nine hours and 58 minutes, his slowest 15 hours and 12 minutes.

“The times reflect how hard you train,” he said. “This year leading into Hawaii I’ve been very consistent training about 15 hours a week, watching what I eat. You need to be consistent and smart because you don’t want to get injured.”

Hodgson also threw in a 1000km ride over 10 days with a Maitland team to raise funds for children’s charity Camp Quality, one of numerous charity events he has supported over the years.

The training regime and a change to a largely vegetarian diet has seen the 186cm tall Hodgson shed 18 kilograms from May last year when he weighed 115kg.

Training is vital, but triathlons are as much about mental strength.

”I guess being calm is a bit of a strength, trying not to think about it too much. A lot of ironman stuff is mental strength. You can give up or just keep talking to yourself to push on.

“From small distance to long distance I’ve never not finished a triathlon.”

On his return from Hawaii, Hodgson will have a few weeks to recover before he takes part in the annual Maitland Triathlon on November 4.