Paras Grand to Grand Ultra!!!

Matt and John will be taking part in one of the most difficult self-supported foot races on the planet, the Grand to Grand Ultra starts on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and takes the competitors on a gruelling seven day, 171 mile journey through the Utah and Arizona deserts, to the summit of the Grand Staircase. The race is spread over six stages with each one averaging the length of a marathon, just over 26 miles (on sand), with stage three being the long stage at about 54 miles long. The routine is punishing, day and night and coupled with the physical and mental degradation, the heat also presents an acute risk. Luxuries are hard to find as each competitor must carry all their own kit, including their food and sleeping systems, with water and emergency aid being the only things provided by the event organisers. The event requires meticulous planning to avoid blisters, dehydration, sun-burn, repetitive strain injuries and exhaustion. The team will deploy on 14 Sep 22 and transition immediately into an acclimatisation program to allow their bodies to get accustomed to the desert heat before the race starts on 18 Sep 22.

Along the way they are hoping to raise funds for the Support Our Paras charity, a charity which is close to their hearts and has helped and continues to do so for many members of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne community.

Utrinque Paratus