Marathon men conquer ‘world’s most dangerous race’
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Distribution managers Tim Smith and Paul Dickens are safely back in the UK having completed
the Jungle Marathon - known as the world's most dangerous race.
The boys were among over 130 competitors who tackled the rivers, mountains and swamps of the Brazilian rainforest over six brutal days of searing temperatures and incredible humidity. To make their challenge even more difficult, Tim and Paul had to be entirely self-sufficient during the race, each carrying a 15kg backpack containing everything they needed.
An astonishing performance from Paul saw him finish in overall 4th place for the competition - despite being stung by hornets and running on a badley infected heel! Paul completed his six stages over 125 miles in a total time of 32 hours 26 minutes and 56 seconds. Tim conquered his 62 mile race in 23 hours 18 minutes and 12 seconds as both men pushed body and mind to the limit as they attempt to raise a combined £40,000.
After a brief recovery period Tim and Paul will shortly begin training as they prepare for the second leg of their endurance epic - the legendary 150 mile Marathon de Sables across the Sahara desert in March.
Returning from the Jungle marathon, Tim said:
This was without a doubt the hardest yet most rewarding run I have ever done. It was a huge challenge and a very humbling experience.
I'm going to enjoy taking it easy for a bit now I'm back, but I'm looking forward to getting back into training for the Marathon de Sables and trying to raise as much as I can for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
Paul said:
The jungle marathon was the most incredible experience - I loved every minute of it. It's as much a mental challenge as a physical one as I needed to make sure I balanced my food, water and energy to ensure I could complete the race.
The route took me through single track jungle trails where I was constantly ducking under branches and jumping over tree roots or tarantula nests! We had to swim rivers, scale steep inclines and run along some incredible beaches to complete the course.
I was surprised and delighted to be the first Briton home and I'm looking forward to trying to repeat that to raise as much money as possible for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in the Sahara marathon next year.