Concept & Dates

Richard will attempt to run seven standard marathons on seven continents in less than five days. If successful, he would become the first person to do so.

He will begin his quest within the Antarctic Circle on mainland Antarctica, 4,200km south of Cape Town. Starting at approximately 19:00 Sydney time on Wednesday 1st February 2012, he is scheduled to finish on Monday 6th February by 19:00 in Sydney. If Richard is delayed in Antarctica, his schedule will be pushed outward. Please check the updates section for progress reports. 

Wide temperature fluctuations are anticipated through the series of marathons.

Projected numbers at a glance

  • Time to Complete World Marathon Challenge - 120 Hours
  • Total Flying Time - 55 hrs 45 mins
  • Total Time Disembarking, Customs, Travelling to & from Marathon Locations - 18 Hours
  • Total Time from Check-in to Flights - 10 Hours
  • Total Distance To Run - 295km (183 miles)
  • Total Flying Distance - 43,500km (27,000 miles)

Projected Time Line

  • 1 February: 1st marathon in Antarctica commences at 19:00 Sydney time (GMT + 11)
  • 1 February: Leave Antarctica for Cape Town, South Africa (flight time = 6 hours). 4,200km
  • 1 February: Arrive in Cape Town at 22:00
  • 2 February: 07:00 Leave Cape Town for Johannesburg (flight time = 2 hours). 1,220km
    • 10:00 Leave Johannesburg for Sao Paulo, Brazil (flight time = 9 hrs 50mins). 7,560km
  • 2 February: Arrive in Sao Paulo at 16:30
  • 3 February: 01:20 Leave Sao Paulo for Orlando, USA (flight time = 8hrs 45 mins). 6,580km
  • 3 February: Arrive in Orlando at 07:05
  • 3 February: 18:25 Leave Orlando for London Gatwick (flight time = 8hrs 10 mins). 7,000km
  • 4 February: Arrive at London Gatwick at 07:35
  • 4 February: 18:05 Leave London Heathrow for Hong Kong (flight time = 11hrs 40 mins). 9,640 km
  • 5 February: Arrive in Hong Kong at 13:45
  • 5 February: 23:55 Leave Hong Kong for Sydney, Australia (flight time = 9 hrs 20 mins). 7,340km
  • 6 February: Arrive in Sydney at 12:15
  • 6 February: Complete Final Marathon by 19:00

Special thanks for major course assistance to Victor Serov (Manager, The Antarctic Company), James Evans (President, Athletics South Africa), Rodolfo Eichler (AIMS Grade A Measurer, Brazil), Hugh Jones (Secretary, Association of International Marathons & Distance Races - 'AIMS'), Steven Seaton (Former Editor, Runner's World UK), Fung Wang Tak (Race Director, Hong Kong Marathon) and Dave Cundy (Measurer of Sydney and Beijing Olympic Marathons).

wmc2012-timeline