Richmond’s very own Marathon Man is taking the next step in his fundraising challenge for disadvantaged children as he heads stateside to run 3,080 miles during 140 official marathons.
Starting tomorrow Rob Young will be taking part in Race Across USA – a feat of endurance which will see him run in races spanning from Los Angeles to Virginia.
As the only European runner in a core team of 12 international athletes, Rob’s epic American journey will take four and a half months and will see him run the span of 12 states.
That’s the route that I will be running across the USA pic.twitter.com/DhDF6hAnVh
— Marathon Man UK (@MarathonMan_UK) January 3, 2015
This jaw-dropping challenge will finish in Washington DC with a race to the White House, where the team hope to meet with the First Lady, Michelle Obama, herself.
And if that wasn’t enough running for the year Rob will jet back to the UK just in time for the London Marathon where he is set to break the world record for the most marathons in one year.
Rob told SWL: “As you might imagine I am a little nervous but I’m the only British (and European) runner so I am really excited to be able to represent us over in America for this amazing race.
“It has been a long build up so I just can’t wait to get running on US soil and meeting my fellow runners who I will be spending much of next 140 days with!
“It’s going to be an exciting few months – Race Across America, the MMUK Fundraising Ball at the Natural History Museum on March 21 and then the London Marathon!”
Excited 2 fly 2 LA w/ charity #marathoner @MarathonMan_UK #running 4 disadvantaged kids Thanks @VirginAtlantic pic.twitter.com/ZZnAERVQvA
— Ali Parkes (@AliPa69) January 14, 2015
By the end of Rob’s challenge he will have run the equivalent distance of London to Sydney in just one year, a staggering achievement at more than 10,000 miles.
Since the start of his challenge eight months ago, Rob has touched many people’s lives with his positivity and commitment to overcome the odds.
His goals are clear: to inspire people, break world records and raise funds for the UK-based children’s charities that are close to his heart – Dreams Come True, NSPCC and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Donations can be made via www.marathonmanuk.com
Race Across USA sets out with the goal of inspiring a healthier generation and to tackle the issue of childhood obesity.
As the core team run the width of the states, they will aim to sign up as many schools as possible to the 100 Mile Club – an organisation that encourages school children to be active and run, jog, or walk 100 miles in a year.
Schools around the world can also virtually participate via www.worldwalking.org
Featured image courtesy of Chris Winter, with thanks
