Standing in the dark at the start of the race, listening to Chariots of Fire was very moving and 11hrs. 40mins. later I achieved my goal of running 56miles within the 12hr. time limit.  Thank you all for your support and generosity which helped motivate me along the way.  I look forward to showing you all my medal when I get back to the UK.

Earlier this year, I celebrated my 60th birthday and having undergone two knee operations in the past few years, I felt that now was probably my last opportunity to fulfil my long held ambition to run the Comrades Ultra Marathon in Durban, South Africa, on 3 June 2012.

I am collecting for Woking Hospice, a charity that provides care and support for the terminally ill. I can attest to the fantastic work they do having seen it first-hand with a dear friend of mine, Frances, who sadly died from Motor Neurone Disease in January 2011.

Frances was a real inspiration to me, and during the year before she died, Woking Hospice provided Frances with invaluable help and support. Frances was such a positive person, who always had a smile on her face - I hope to take that attitude into the race, come what may!

My aim is to complete the Ultra Marathon (56 miles) in 12 hours and hopefully to come away with a medal. I will be financing my own travel and accommodation and therefore every penny raised will go to Woking Hospice.

I would be very, very grateful for any support you are able to give; it really will make all the difference to me on the day.

Ray