Orkney-based ultra marathon runner, William Sichel (58), travels to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, this weekend in order to compete in the “No Finish Line” 8 Day endurance challenge which starts on Saturday November 12th and finishes on Sunday November 20th.
The Monaco event is the only 8 Day race in the world and it will be William’s second longest ever race, after his 1000 Mile World Cup race in Athens last year.
About 45 starters, in the 8 Day event, will be sent on their way by Princess Stephanie at 2pm local time on Saturday and her brother Albert II Prince of Monaco will present the prizes the following weekend.
The 8 Day race is part of a huge festival of running, which last year saw a total of over 6000 participants, lap the 1 mile circuit around the port in central Monaco over the 8 day period, with every lap completed generating one euro for children’s charities. The vast majority of participants come and go, during the 8 day period in which the course is laid out, amassing huge sums for charity.
“It is certainly a unique event they have in Monaco and it’s held in a stunning location as well. I’m very familiar with all aspects of this event and I’m looking forward to producing a top performance again.”
Being such a long race, there are number of records and targets which William can aim for, including the almost 130 year old Scottish 6 Day record of 567 miles set in 1882; the 8 Day course record, set 2 years ago, of 573 miles and the chance to become the overall World No1, for 6 Day performances, for this year. Currently William is ranked World No2 and needs to surpass 521 miles in 6 days to reach the No1 position.
William is a member of the Orkney Athletic Club and is currently engaged in Project 60@60 in which he is attempting to have set 60 ultra distance records, at World, British and Scottish level, including age-groups, before his 60th birthday on October 1st 2013. Currently William has set 54 records, including 6 World Age-Group records.
William is grateful to sponsors Loganair and Myprotein.
November 6th 2011
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