9th August 2011
Extreme marathon man Tim Garrett from Queens Park in Sydney, will take on the 100 mile (160km) run through the Colorado Rocky Mountains on the 20th August, to raise money for the The Heart Research Institue.
The legendary "Race Across The Sky" 100-mile Leadville trail run began 29 years ago and remains one of the top 10 ultra races in the USA. The challenging route takes competitors through forest trails and rough mountain roads, on elevations from 9,200 up to 12,600 feet. In 2009, Lance Armstrong "rocked up and won" in the annual bike race that uses the same route.
With challenging conditions and only 30 hours to finish, it’s no surprise there’s an attrition rate up to 60%. Runners not only have their own physical and mental battles to contend with, but will also fight against the elements and altitude sickness.
“While physical endurance is essential, the mental challenges will be just as tough. In this kind of race the greatest threat to finishing is falling victim to altitude sickness and it’s difficult to prepare for that in Australia.” Tim said.
A glutton for punishment, this is not the first time Tim has competed in extreme marathons. He first competed in 2010 in The Northface 100km Blue Mountains Ultramarathon, followed by the 240km Kalahari Desert Marathon where he battled 50-degree heat, rocky terrain and wild animals.
Then in March 2011 Tim competed in the 6633 ULTRA marathon, a solo 3 day, 120 mile (193km) run through the Arctic Circle, where he battled temperatures below minus thirty, with only a sled for company. Tim was only one of 4 competitors to complete this grueling journey.
Tim is aiming to raise funds for essential research equipment for the Heart Research Institute where he works as the Operations Manager. He has worked in the area of cardiac services for over 20 years and is dedicated to health and fitness.
Tim departs for the US this Sunday, August 14th. People can support Tim’s campaign to raise money for heart research donating online now or by phoning The Heart Research Institute on 1800 651 373. For further information, you can track Tim on his blog
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