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My charity event for 2009 is one of the the most difficult challenges that the ultramarathon world has devised to throw at would be competitors! 

 

The Event - Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is a 100 mile race around the base of Mont-blanc.  Starting at 6:30pm on 28th August 2009 I will attempt to run the 'undulating' distance (which is the equivalent of going up, and down, mount Everest from Sea Level) within the allotted 46 hours time limit.

The route is fantastic - around the highest peak in Europe, through some of the most amazing and beautiful scenery in the world, through 3 countries over 2 days. A lot of the route will be covered by moonlight as the event starts on the Friday of the August bank holiday weekend. Weather permitting, the views should be spectacular with our reward for physical and mental effort being some of the most incredible landscapes the globe has to offer.

Even though the race is such a challenge (only 40% of the starters finish) it is always twice oversubscribed. This year a new system of prequalification was introduced with previous ultramarathons finished in 2007/2008 counting towards a points system for entry - 4 points were required, but even double marathons (84km+) counted as only 1 point! Luckily for me, the MdS counted a 3 points and thus with the various Thames 'training' runs I had I was assured of a place in the ballot.

Here are the facts:

• Start / Finish - Chamonix
• Distance - 100 miles (166km)
• Total Ascent / Descent - 9,400 m (Mt. Everest is 8,840m)
• Min Height - Saint Gervais, 807 m
• Max Height - Grand Col Ferret, 2537 m
• Maximum time allowed - 46 hours
• Competitors ~ 2300
• Ascent of high passes: - Col de Voza, col du Bonhomme, col de la Seigne, grand col Ferret, as well as the ridge of the Mont favre, the Bertone Refuge, Bovine, Tseppes and Tête au vent.
• Downhill tracks towards: - Saint Gervais, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Trient and Vallorcine.

Click here http://www.p4media.com/racemenu.html for a Google Earth route map which I've created, for the 2008 route. Just select Ultramarathon and UTMB2008 from the menu or alternatively download the KML file for the Google earth tour here

http://www.p4media.com/UTMB2008tour.kml

To read more about my training exploits over the last few month feel free to browse my training blog, which I have tried to keep up to date with the ups and downs of my attempt to get myself ready for this challenge.

 

The Charity - SOS Children's Villages

I have elected to donate money to SOS Children's Villages as I feel strongly that children in general need the maximum support from the world during their vunerable and formative years, so what could be worse than the inconceivable impact of losing both your parents.  I hope that my efforts, and your generous donations, will go a long way to helping children in the Eastern European region to approach a normal life with new families.

Child sponsorship is £240/a year and contributes to fund the primary care needs of an orphaned or abandoned child who is now living in one of the SOS children's villages and receiving the love and care of an SOS mother, in a family home. The sponsorship covers food, clothing, education and medical care.

So you will be helping me to reach a target of which will amount to 4 years sponsorship of a child.

How to Donate - JustGiving Online

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.