A KEEN runner is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime.
Alan Jacobs, of Penley, will be running the Marathon des Sables in April across the Moroccan Sahara Desert.
The 150-mile challenge, set over six days, is set to provide a major endurance test for any runner and Mr Jacobs is busy preparing for the major challenge in aid of Mencap.
Mr Jacobs, 41, who is looking to raise almost £10,000 for Mencap, said: “Running the Marathon des Sables is the ultimate test for any runner and competing in it will be the fulfilment of a long-held dream of mine.
“To test myself against the conditions, the heat and the distance will require all the mental strength I have.”
Mr Jacobs was inspired to run the marathon in aid of Mencap due to a family friend suffering a mental disability.
He said: “The preparations have been tough so far.
“I have torn a muscle in my calf which has meant much pain and frustration but I am recovering now and am confident that I can make it to the starting line.
“After that it’s a mental battle and I don’t think I can predict how I will cope until I am there.
“I used to be in the RAF and I hope that some of the lessons I learned in training there can see me through.
“Also, if I can reach my fundraising target then I will have the knowledge that I have done something special to help those amazing people whose daily struggles put my efforts into the shade.”
Mr Jacobs, who works as a business continuity consultant, believes the challenge makes for “the toughest footrace on earth”.
He takes on this major marathon after twice previously running the London
Marathon and also competing in the Snowdonia Marathon.
One of the stages of the Sahara race is a highly demanding 50-mile ultra-marathon which can take up to 30 hours to complete.
The competitors start in the morning and finish at about lunchtime the following day, having run through the night.
Mr Jacobs added: “I will have to carry all my food, bedding, and equipment with me on every stage and will be self-sufficient, preparing my own meals along the way.”
To help heighten awareness of his imminent run, Mr Jacobs has had 2,000 leaflets printed at his own expense which he will distribute to households in the Wrexham area in the next few weeks.
Anyone wanting to raise funds for Mr Jacobs’ challenge should visit www.justgiving.com/pitymyfeet.