Update April 2010:  Challenge just completed after an intense week in the Sahara.  Temperatures reached 53C meaning we hit a 90C difference versus the North Pole!  As 2010 was the 25th anniversary of the event we ran the longest distance ever: 250K over 6 days.  Over 1000 started, about 100 had to give up, I placed 382 with a best stage place of 159.  It was more demanding, mentally and physically, than anything I have taken on before..but ultimately rewarding.

Thank you so much for all your donations to MENCAP, much appreciated. 

Update March 2010: Dates now confirmed: Leaving for Morocco on April 1st, the perfect day to take on such a foolish endeavour.  Back April 12th.  After collecting 14000 calories of dried food, the lightest kit and nearly killing our legs already,  the Mencap team just have to survive.  

Update April 2009 - Now an 80degree challenge:  North Pole Marathon completed! Ran at -37C, 25 miles from the Pole. 5hrs 9mins on difficult but quite stunning terrain.  Thank you to everyone who has supported Mencap with a donation.  One down and a hard one to go.  Details and pictures: http://www.npmarathon.com

The 60 Degrees Challenge

Between April 2009 and April 2010 I will be attempting a unique challenge, trying to finish the North Pole Marathon and then taking part in the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara.   I am looking to raise funds for Mencap.

The 2009 North Pole Marathon will be a special race as it commemorates the centenary of the first expedition to reach the pole.  Temperatures will get down to c.-25C and the race will take place on moving sea ice at the Pole.  The Marathon Des Sables is widely recognised as the toughest foot race in the world and covers over 150miles across the Sahara over 7 days.  Temperatures reach over 40C.  Over 60 degrees hotter than the Pole.

Thanks so much for supporting Mencap.

Tim