So what is RacingThePlanet: Patagonia 2017?

RacingThePlanet: Patagonia 2017 is a 250 kilometre (155 mile), 6-stage, 7-day, self-supported ultra-marathon foot race taking place in the Patagonia region of Argentina, starting on 12 November 2017.

Patagonia is dominated by the Andes, the longest mountain range on earth, running the length of South America from Colombia to the Strait of Magellan and across to Tierradel Fuego. Patagonia covers about one third of the land area of both Chile and Argentina, but less than 5% of either nations' population actually lives there. The Argentine side, where RacingThePlanet: Patagonia will be staged, features arid steppes, grasslands, deserts, aqua-coloured lakes and rivers, with a large variety of wildlife some of which include deer, armadillos, fox and pumas.

The event is self-supported, which means that competitors must carry all their own equipment and food, but are provided with water and a place in a tent each day and are supported by professional medical and operations teams. The format is very similar to the Tour de France and Dakar Rally, except by foot and self-supported.

More information and race updates before, during and after the event can be found at the 4Deserts website: https://www.4deserts.com/beyond/patagonia/

This will be my fifth “ultra”, the others being the Marathon des Sables (Morocco), the Marathon of Britain (UK), the Jungle Marathon (Brazil) and the Atacama Crossing (Chile). I’ve managed to finish all of them so far, but there are no guarantees when doing these types of challenges.

In the past I’ve missed a race due to my kit being lost by the airline, broken an ankle (but still finished), had the most horrendous blisters and been stung by flying ants. If it wasn’t for the camaraderie, the scenery and the everlasting satisfaction of completing a severe physical and metal challenge, I often wonder why I do it!

I haven’t always undertaken these challenges for a charity. However, I have been so impressed by the sterling work that the Dorset Blind Association does for the blind and partially sighted in Dorset and beyond, it seemed fitting that I “do my bit” by trying to raise some much-needed funding and boosting the profile of this fantastic charity.

If you are able to give a little something to the charity, I and many others would very much appreciate it.