Christian Rupieper, a German running enthusiast, will celebrate his 20th half-marathon in Bermuda — one of his favourite destinations.

The 47-year-old completed his tenth half-marathon in Bermuda last year and arrives on the Island today ahead of the Bermuda Marathon Weekend Triangle Half Challenge — the Front Street Mile, 10K and half or full marathon.

Rupieper, who four years ago weighed 254lbs, has had to overcome several obstacles en route to be becoming a marathon-running machine.

“My weighing scale pointed around 245lbs on June 23, 2012,” he recalled.

“It was clear that this was too much. I had gained more than 67lbs over the previous ten years.

“I started the ambitious job [of losing weight] immediately, no more Coke — I drank more than 2½ litres a day — no sweets and no more fast food. My goal was to slim down around 45lbs over the next two years and to have the ability to run a minimum of a 5K.”

Rupieper then suffered two setbacks that would test his resolve, a serious illness which prevented him from exercising and then a triple ankle fracture that required three surgeries.

His injury, in late 2012, left him bedridden for four months just as he was beginning to get into the sport; as late as February 2013 he was making small steps with crutches and “learning to walk again like a baby”.

“Many times I stumbled and fell down but I always stood up again — it was a tough experience,” he said. “I made my first two steps without crutches on March 15, 2013.”

Added Rupieper: “On September 21 I started slowly jogging at a 10K running competition in New York, followed by another 10K in Inverness, Scotland at the end of September. I finished the Inverness 10K in around 69 minutes.

“After some more hard training lessons I went to Miami, Florida for a 10K in the beginning of December. On December 8, I successfully finished my first half-marathon in two hours and 31 minutes.”

Since his last visit to Bermuda, Rupieper has completed nine races in cities such as like London, Chicago, Dublin, as well as races in Australia and his native Germany.

He said he was delighted to celebrate his twentieth race in such a “friendly environment”.

“I’m delighted to come to Bermuda again because it’s the best way to start the year, with a sunny half-marathon in a great environment,” he said.

“I’m happy to return to Bermuda to see the crystal clear water, the wonderful beaches and the colourful streets and houses. But the most important thing is to come back to Bermuda and meet the friendly and pleasant people.

“I was impressed last year with how friendly and helpful the Bermuda people were.

“I run a lot of races all over the world but the atmosphere and the support from the people in Bermuda was outstanding and a very good incentive for all the runners, especially for me.

“Last year was my tenth half-marathon and next weekend will be my 20th. There is no better place to celebrate this anniversary.”