This year I will be running an ultramarathon that is different from anything I have attempted.

Previous RacingThePlanet ultramarathons (Gobi, Atacama, , & ) have involved a 6-day, 250km format where I had to be self-sufficient especially in terms of food and medication.

The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, 27-29 August 2010, works differently. It may sound a relative snip at 166km, but this involves:-

Running around the circumference of

- Crossing 3 countries (, , )

- A starting altitude of 800m above sea level, rising to over 2,500m

- A cumulative ascent of over 9,500m (higher than ground to Everest) over 10 mountain passes

- Completing the race within 46 hours

- Running in pitch darkness with headlamps over 2 consecutive nights

I have dreamed of running this race for years. It is well known and respected in the ultrarunner community as one of the toughest foot races in the world. 2,300 competitors take part, and only about 50% finish.

To qualify, one needs to have completed the equivalent of two 250km ultramarathons in the past 24 months. After applying, one needs to wait for a “lucky” draw (though I don’t know how lucky it is!) to find out if one has been allotted a place.

I have run parts of the course in practice, and I know this will be the hardest thing I have ever done. The time limits, the altitude, the narrow and unreliable gravel trails and the nonstop running especially through the night are all going to be tough, physically and mentally.

I am running this to raise funds for the Prince’s Trust “Get Into” Programs. The Prince’s Trust is a well-established youth charity in the , spearheaded by the Prince of Wales, helping young people from challenging backgrounds with practical and financial support to get them into jobs and develop their workplace skills.

The “Get Into” Programs are short courses which help unemployed youths between 16 to 25 to gain work experience in various sectors. They are special to Mosimann’s because we were the very first “Get Into” program.

8 years ago, Mosimann’s worked with the Prince’s Trust to design the pilot “Get Into Cooking” program. The ensuing success resulted in the scheme’s expansion, so that over 50 programs are now offered across industries as varied as construction and customer services. Last year, 1,790 youths participated in the scheme.

Bringing young people into the industry, and giving them the opportunities or stepping-stones to launch their careers forward, has always been close to my heart. In my various management positions it has always been a source of great personal fulfillment to spot and groom young talent, giving them the responsibilities and opportunities to lead, pick up new skills and dream bigger dreams.

I hope you will join me in my journey on http://www.ultratrailmb.com/. There should be live updates during the race so you can see what we are up to!

And thank you for supporting my cause. Talented young people are our industry’s lifeblood and it will spur me on during what I know will be one of the most difficult experiences I have ever put myself into, to think of every single life we are going to make a difference to through the funds we will raise for the “Get Into” programs.

More information on the programs: http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about_the_trust/what_we_do/programmes/get_into.aspx