As he continues his world record attempt to run 66 consecutive ultra-marathons in 66 days, Andy McMenemy, a businessman and the son of a former soldier, will be setting off on marathon 61 from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh tomorrow.
He aims to raise £1million for the ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, which helps soldiers, former soldiers and their families.
Andy will travel to all 66 official cities of the UK and attempt to complete an ultra-marathon which is 31.07 miles or 50kms, 5.5 miles longer than a standard marathon. This experienced runner will have no days rest in his attempt to set a new world record and raise funds for the charity.
From tomorrow through till Sunday 15 May, Andy McMenemy, who was born in Stirling, will run in each of the six cities in Scotland covering a total of 186.42 miles or 300km, seeing him run through Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
Andy said: “It is great to be running in Edinburgh, and I will welcome anyone who wishes to show support or join me on this leg of my marathon journey to help The Soldiers’ Charity continue their fantastic work.
“The support Challenge 66 has received so far across the country is incredible, but we do need people to go to our website and donate to help us hit our target.”
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity provides a life time of support for soldiers and their families, both during active service and beyond, in times of conflict and in times of peace.
Barry Groves, project director of Challenge66, said; “We encourage people to come out and support or run with Andy. Donations can be made via our website or by texting the word ARMY to 70700. Details of when and where he will be running can be found on our website www.challenge66.org
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, Chief Executive of The Soldiers’ Charity, added his support to the project. He said: “ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is thrilled and proud to be the beneficiary of Challenge 66.
“Your attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for consecutive endurance marathons with no rest is a phenomenal feat of bravery and generosity which, I can assure you, is for an extremely worthy cause.”
Ordinary people going about their jobs in often extraordinary circumstances is what The Army is built on and if Challenge 66 brings about greater understanding of the sacrifices made by our troops it will be worth every step you take.”
