When the going gets tough

SSC Laser Cutting is a successful Midlands-based laser cutting firm. Its Managing Director, Austin Jarrett, is set to compete in the Marathon des Sables, seeking success in an entirely different field.

Described as ‘The Toughest Foot Race on Earth', the Marathon consists of an equivalent of six marathons in six gruelling days across the Sahara desert with temperatures reaching more than 100°F. Mr Jarrett is tackling the challenge for four different charities, seeking to raise a target of £20,000.

“I'm supporting the VSO, The Eve Appeal, Help for Heroes and The Oak Tree Farm Rural Project.” he explained. “Companies like ours have a responsibility to behave as good corporate citizens and supporting charities is one way to help make a positive difference to the community which SSC and our employees are part of.”

When questioned regarding the greatest challenge of the Marathon Des Sables, Mr Jarrett highlighted several: “There are a number of things that could become the greatest challenge. Obviously the 250km run is quite a long way, but doing this on desert sand makes it more difficult. And temperatures of up to 50°C will make it very heavy going, not to mention carrying everything I need for the week to support myself, except for water.”

Mr Jarrett will split all the money raised across the four charities he is supporting, and importantly is paying all of the actual expenses towards the race himself. He's been a runner now for ten years, and 2014 will see in his 50th birthday.

The Marathon des Sables (MdS) itself is a gruelling multi-stage adventure through a formidable landscape in one of the world's most inhospitable climates. The rules require that all participants are self-sufficient, carrying on their backs everything except the water that they need to survive.

Yet more remarkably, the MdS multi-day ‘ultra-marathon' or ‘ultra' run format comprises a course of between 150 and 156 miles. This is the equivalent of running from London to Dover, deciding not to go to France after all and running back again in 120° heat with a backpack.

The MdS is a six day race with only one rest day covering a total distance of around 254km. The longest stage is about 91km.

SSC Laser
www.steelservicecentre.co.uk