Rob Young (aka Marathon Man) certainly loves a challenge. Having run 370 marathons in a single year, he’s now set off on an equally epic challenge – to run 1,900 miles in 26 days.
The Brit – who also recently broke the record for the longest ever run without sleep, an astonising 373 miles – will be carrying a ‘torch for humanity’ as part of the Walk for Peace campaign, which is raising money for peace-keeping efforts in Kenya’s troubled Rift Valley.
Starting at the Great North Run on Sunday, Young’s route will take in hundreds of cities, towns and villages across the UK and take in 75,000ft of ascent.
“We’re carrying this torch to unite people,” said Young. “We want you to come with us, to run with us, to walk with us, to invite us to your schools.
“Our Kenyan friends have done their leg; it’s now time that the UK play their part before we pass it on to the Americans to continue the journey. If we can do that together, we are going to create something life-changing to many thousands, if not millions, of people.”
Young is running with Adam Holland, who holds the World record for the fastest 10 marathons in 10 days (he averaged 2hrs 58min s38secs).
Concluding on 1 December, the Champions Walk for Peace has so far raised $95,000 towards a $250,000 target to fund a peacebuilding programme. With the help of the Aegis Trust, it hopes to help at least 10,000 young people at risk of being drawn into the rising wave of ethnic violence in the North Rift Valley.
Sponsor Rob Young’s journey by visiting www.justgiving.com/uktorchrelay or donate £5 by SMS by texting ‘peace’ to 70800.
