Pascall, 23, will compete in a half marathon in Rockhampton, Queensland, in August and hopes the community will back him to victory on and off the course.

The veterinary science student will travel to India at the end of the year to work closely with Visakha Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which runs an animal birth control program to limit the number of stray dogs.

"I've been doing triathlons for about a year now, but shorter ones than this," Pascall said.

"I'm studying to be a vet and the course is towards a vet-related course in India to help the animals over there. "Hopefully I can raise some money to take to India and give it to particular societies that I'll be working with."

Mr Pascall, who lives with two university students, has two dogs, Lachie, who is blind and deaf, and Pete, a labrador. He said his passion for animals started as a teenager.

"I've wanted to be a vet since about year 9.

"It took me two years to transfer across from science.

"I will finish [the course] at the end of next year."

The fitness fanatic has competed in several charity triathlons since last year.

"I started getting into [competing] with duathlons, which is a run and then a ride, and then [I did] a run again last winter. It's a lot of training and it's great."

To sponsor Mr Pascall, email m.pascall@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au For more information, visit www.blognow.com.au/ironman4spca