Updates

Richard Donovan has completed the World Marathon Challenge. The challenge was to become the first person to run seven marathons on seven continents in less than seven days. He completed the task in 5 Days 10 Hours 8 Minutes from the start line in Antarctica to the finish line in Sydney. Over the course of the 130 hours and 8 minutes, he ran a total of 295km (183 miles), spent over 62 hours on planes, and flew 43,000km. The route took him from a Russian base on mainland Antarctica to Cape Town, Dubai, London, Toronto, Santiago and eventually Sydney see route map. He encountered temperatures ranging from -15c to +33c. Despite the tight schedule, he covered an average of 54km daily and the effort helped raise over EUR 50,000 for charity, says GOAL's Ronan Sully.

 

In undertaking this challenge, Richard wanted to specifically draw attention to the GOAL charity's humanitarian work in Darfur. GOAL has been doing fantastic work in Darfur for more than 4 years and Richard supports its call for the deployment of an International Peacekeeping Force to offer protection to the population, 400,000 of whom have died since this disaster started.

 

If you would like to get in contact with Richard please go to the Media Centre section of this website.

 

Sydney, Australia

Richard completed his Sydney Marathon in a time of 4:14:50 in +33c temperatures. Dave Cundy, the Sydney and Beijing Olympic marathon course measurer was at hand to measure the course and monitor proceedings at Botany Bay. Several local runners ran with Richard, including Australian 24-Hour international, Michael Lovric.


Santiago, Chile

Richard is embarking on the final leg of his World Marathon Challenge having completed his marathon in Santiago in a time of 4:37:58. The temperature in Santiago was +32c.


"Yesterday I had the privilege of accompanying Richard on the first 10K lap of his marathon here in Santiago. The afternoon was veeeeeeeery hot, and we sought every shade we could find. We talked a lot, at least I did, I wanted to know everything about him. He is a very nice & sweet man, absolutely low profile and kind, so I am writing just to affirm what all of you already know: that he is great. We had a wonderful time, I wish I could have run more with him, but my legs just gave way. And as the afternoon wore on, more Runners arrived and accompanied Richard on his last 10K lap. And the whole group (me included) ran with him the last 2.196 kmts, accompanying him in that last effort, before he made his last dart to catch his plane!!! I wish him the best of luck on Sydney today, and to all of you, thanks for sending us the best runner ever"

Karin Habermeyer
Secretary
Santiago Runners Club

 

Toronto, Canada

The challenge rolls on....
Richard completed the Toronto Marathon in a time of 4:07:14 and is heading for Santiago.Tornoto Marathon Race Director, Jay Glassman, was on hand to organise the North American leg, and Jay's update sums up Richard's marathon to perfection;

"He arrived. We picked him up. He ran. He showered. He celebrated. He left."

Jay Glassman. Is there anything left to say?


 

London, United Kingdom

2nd February (am): On a night that saw London covered in snow, Richard has finished the 4th of his 7 marathon challenges and is departing for Toronto. London was tough as it snowed all night, and he had to run through snow up to one foot deep in places. Running with him through the night was Steven Seaton, of Runners World who said; "...it was a crazy scene, the two of us running past the great sites of London at 3 in the morning with a snow storm gusting". Richard's time was 5:07:02.

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

1st February (am): Richard has completed the marathon in Dubai and is en route to London. He ran it in 4:56:04, his third marathon in two days. At this stage he is starting to feel the effects of the challenge with sleep deprivation becoming a bit of an issue. He is due in London at 20.25 local time, where he will meet with Steven Seaton of Runners World UK who will accompany him for the London Marathon. The support in all locations to date has been unbelievable and is greatly appreciated.


 

Cape Town, South Africa

31st January (pm): Richard has completed the marathon in Cape Town in a time of 4.29.33. The temperature was +28c by the end of the run, which represented a swing of 43c from Antarctica. He is currently on his way to Dubai.

 

Novo Base, Antarctica

31 January (am): Richard has finished the first marathon in Antarctica in a time of 4.39.29. The marathon started at 2.50am on January 31st (Sydney time). The windchill temperature for the marathon was approximately -15c. Strong winds and blinding snow made it a difficult run due to poor visibility. However, on the upside, the underfoot conditions were quite good.

Preparation

28 January (pm): Richard arrived in Antarctica on Wednesday. He expects to start the challenge on Saturday 31st.

27 January 2009 (pm): The flight to bring Richard to the starting point in the Antarctic may leave tomorrow morning. Richard is currently expected to start his challenge on 31 January, but it may get pushed outward an additional day.

26 January 2009 (pm): The Russian logistics operators have confirmed a two-day delay travelling into the Antarctic. This will push Richard's scheduled start date outward by at least one day. The website has been updated to reflect the new dates.

26 January 2009 (am): Richard was due to fly to the Russian base in Antarctica today. However, there is a delay of at least a day and perhaps two days, although this may not impact his marathon schedule. There will be more information later.

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