Getting ready for the toughest race on Earth (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond man getting ready for the toughest race on Earth

10:00am Saturday 9th March 2013 in News By Amy Dyduch

A determined runner is entering an endurance challenge billed as the toughest footrace on earth, to raise money for dementia research.

Simon Martin, from Richmond, will brave fierce desert conditions to run across the Moroccan Sahara for the 250km Marathon des Sables, a week-long challenge starting on April 7.

The race, which comprises six stages, will see him run distances averaging a marathon each day, with one non-stop stage requiring competitors to run a double marathon of about 84km through the day and night.

He will also have to cope with inhospitable temperatures of more than 40C while carrying all his supplies, including food for the week, in a backpack weighing about 12kg.

The director at professional services firm PwC said he wanted to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK after his grandfather battled Alzheimer’s.

He said: “I know how tough this disease is, not just on the person affected but on the people around them.

“There are currently no treatments that can stop this disease in its tracks, and that’s why it’s so important to invest in research.

“My family and friends think I’m absolutely crazy and can’t work out why I want to do this, but they can see I’m very passionate about it.”

To sponsor Mr Martin visit virginmoneygiving.com/SimonMartin2013MdS.