7 MARATHONS – 7 COUNTRIES – 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD

My 777 Challenge!

If you know me, you will know that I am always up for a challenge, particularly if it involves running!

Often found 'Forest Gumping' on the roads and trails of the Black Country, I love nothing more than heading out the front door to take on the next ultimate challenge.

As a father to two young girls and, as a secondary school teacher training for headship, I do not underestimate my influence. As Forest Gump would say, “my mama always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where they going, where they been”. Well, my shoes will be a pair of running trainers, I was born and bred in Tipton and I plan on running on historical sites across the world to inspire the students I work with on a daily basis.

THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

On 7th July 2007 (7-7-07), the New7Wonders Foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland, announced seven monuments that over 100 million people voted as the New 7 Wonders of the World.

My three year challenge is to run a marathon (26.2 miles) starting and finishing on the sites of all seven, beginning with my first challenge in Rome, the sites are:

1. The Roman Colosseum, Italy (2017),

2. Chichen Itza, Mexico - Mayan City

3.Christ Redeemer, Brazil - Large Statue

4.The Great Wall, China

5.Machu Picchu, Peru

6.Petra, Jordan - Ancient City

7.The Taj Mahal, India

WHY I WANT TO DO THIS

In life you can either be ‘a dealer in hope’ or ‘a mood hoover’! I choose to be ‘a dealer in hope’ and I want my students to realise that with a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, an ultimate goal and a go get ’em attitude, anything is achievable.

It will also be fantastic to share my story with them. Using the experience to educate them culturally and entrepreneurially (raising finance will be a big chapter!).

HOW I WILL USE YOUR FUNDS

Primarily, I will be using funds to supplement my own personal savings to help finance flights to the seven countries listed above. By couch surfing and working with running clubs in each of the countries, I am hoping to keep accommodation costs to a minimum. Initially, I am hoping to raise £500.00 to get me underway with my first three marathons, , however as my challenge develops, I will do other fundraising events to achieve my goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please follow me on Facebook to see how my campaign progresses.

Darren