Patrons
We are delighted to announce that Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud have both agreed to become patrons of Team HotRunning. The support of two such successful and popular adventurers means a lot to us and serves as a massive boost to our motivation to take on the Marathon Des Sables.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
The 'the world's greatest living explorer' and 'the man Indiana Jones wanted to be' are just two descriptions of this extraordinary man. When it comes to adventure he has done it all, and often more than once! To list all of his achievements would be impossible, so here is a quick snapshot of some his finest moments...
- Transglobe Expedition
- Discovery of the lost city of Ubar
- Unsupported walk across the Antarctic (with Mike Stroud)
- Solo and unsupported attempt at walking to the North Pole
- 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents (with Mike Stroud)
- Climbed the north face of The Eiger
As impressive as this list is, more awe inspiring still are the personal challenges Sir Ranulph had to overcome to achieve some of these.
Just four months before the Landrover 7x7x7 challenge he suffered a heart attack and underwent a triple heart bypass operation. When questioned as to his doctor's advice he said that his heart rate had to be kept below a certain threshold. When further pushed he admitted that he forgot to take his heart rate monitor on the trip!
The failed attempt at the North Pole left Sir Ranulph with more than just wounded pride. Severe frostbite led to the amputation of all of the fingers on his left hand at the knuckle. So to go on and climb the north face of The Eiger is quite an achievement indeed.
"The Marathon des Sables is one of the world's toughest sporting challenges and I wish Team HotRunning the best of luck for the race and with your fundraising efforts for Maggie's Cancer Care Centres. In my experience physical fitness is important, but it is strength of mind that will see you through to the end. Train hard, stay focused and I'm sure you will succeed."
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Dr Mike Stroud, OBE
Mike Stroud is renowned as a leading expert in sports medicine and nutrition, he has accompanied Sir Ranulph on many of his expeditions but he's also ramped up a fair number of other solo and team efforts. In Fact it was Mike's description of the Marathon Des Sables in his book Survival of the Fittest that first inspired us to take part in the event.
Mike has also twice competed in the grueling Eco Challenge a week-long multi-sport event
As well as participating in these amazing events, Dr Stroud also took advantage of them to study the effects of endurance and extreme temperatures on the human body.
"I've completed many adventures, in all conditions and in every part of the world, and the Marathon Des Sables was as tough as any of them. You have to show the desert complete respect or it will turn on you very quickly. Team HotRunning will have to cope with temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius, so specific hot-weather preparation and a good hydration strategy will be vital to their success. I wish them the very best of luck."
Dr Mike Stroud OBE, BSc, MD, FRCP
