Financial adviser Dennis Hall is undertaking a 250km running challenge in a bid to raise £5,000 for the Royal Marines charity.
Hall, a chartered financial planner at Yellowtail Financial Planning, is jetting off at the end of this week (October 1) to run 250km in sweltering 50 degree heat in the Sahara desert to raise money for charity.
The challenge is set across seven days and is equivalent to approximately six marathons, but each participant must carry their own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material for the duration of the race.
On his Just Giving page, Hall explained how the race has different stages over several days, including a full marathon, and a non-stop 80km stage with participants running through the night.
Hall said: “I ran this in 2000 when I turned 40 so I always said I would do it again when I hit 60 and was all set to go in April 2020 but then Covid put paid to that. It’s been postponed a couple of times since then, but everything is set for travelling out on Friday.
“It’s one of the toughest foot races, and for me I think the challenge is as much mental as physical. The heat is oppressive.”
Hall said the race will be even tougher this time around as his training regime saw him ready for April 2020 but since then he has suffered health problems.
On his page, Hall explained that for the past 18 months he has suffered from either long-Covid or runner's asthma and that his fitness has suffered as a result.
“This is now going to be a real challenge for me,” Hall said. “And at 62 years old I'm no spring chicken.”
But he told FTAdviser he was the kind of person that needed a “big fat goal” that had the potential to defeat him, which was why he is taking on this challenge.
Hall has chosen to support the Royal Marines charity, having been a Royal Marine himself in the past.
The charity aims to provide support, advice and friendship to serving and retired Royal Marines, their families, those who aspire to join and those with close links.
Hall said: “If you can support me in my quest to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity you'll be helping young men and older veterans overcome physical challenges and mental health challenges.
"As a former Royal Marine I know first hand the varied work they do for our country, not just conflict, but stepping in during times of crisis.”
Hall has currently raised 76 per cent of his £5,000 target.
From Friday, individuals can track Hall’s progress on the Marathon Des Sables website using his race number, which is 555, and his tent number, which is 66.
amy.austin@ft.com
What do you think about the issues raised by this story? Email us on FTAletters@ft.com to let us know
