A Nantwich man is tackling the hardest race in the world to raise money for Mencap.
Land agent Jack Tavernor will take on the gruelling 156-mile Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert in April.
It’s the 28th running of the event now widely recognised as “the hardest race in the world”, and 800 competitors from around the globe are likely to take part this year.
Jack, 31, of James Hall Street, will have to carry everything he needs to look after himself during the race. Water and shared tents will be provided.
The race is broken down into six daily stages with the longest being over 50 miles. He will face salt plains, sand dunes and mountains.
“It is incredibly demanding,” said Jack.
“The heat is likely to hit 50C during the day and down to freezing at nigh.
“The sand will make progress difficult and combined blistered and bleeding feet are expected. I have to wear shoes two sizes too big on the expectation the abuse will make my feet swell significantly!
“Managing calorie intake, salts, electrolyte and fluid intake correctly is vital.”
Competitors will also have to navigate between various checkpoints each day.
Jack, who grew up in Audlem, has close links with Mencap through help it has given family and friends, and he is determined to help raise funds.
The former Harper Adams College student said: “I’ve seen first-hand what a fantastic support organisation it is, not only for people of all ages with learning disabilities but also importantly for their families too.
“This experience comes from both my own family but also close friends.
“I’ve supported various local charities in the past, particularly St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford after they had helped my father, but like to spread the support around with charities I have the personal connection too.”
In the past he has completed three London Marathons, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, Coast to Coast (190-mile hike in seven days), and the “hardest 4x4xfar” – four marathons in four consecutive days in the four countries of the UK, raising tens of thousands of pounds in the process.
But this will be his toughest test yet and has been in training since May last year.
“I’ve turned myself from a social rugby player to an ultra-marathon runner,” he added.
“Alcohol has been given up, nutrition has improved and I am training six out of seven days on average.
“I am running anywhere up to 60 miles a week as well as doing gym sessions, hill sprints, cycling and swimming and I’ve lost over a stone in weight as a result!”
So far he has raised £7,000 but wants to raise much more. His employers Strutt and Parker have offered £2,500.
For more details visit www.facebook.com/jackinthedesert, follow Jack on Twitter @JTTavernor.
To offer donations, visit www.justgiving.com/jackinthedesert
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