Start Time: 19th September 2008

The Arch To Arc Challenge

The Challenge, organised by Enduroman and sponsored by Artemis, is a solo attempt at linking London and Paris by running, swimming and cycling.

When

Following several years dreaming about it and the last year preparing for it, my attempt at the gruelling 460km (286 miles) course will begin during the week commencing 19th September 2008.

How

Starting at Marble Arch, I will run 140km (87 miles) to Dover, the gateway to the English Channel. From Dover, I will start the toughest leg of the challenge, the cross Channel swim to Calais. Measured in a straight-line the shortest possible crossing is 35km
(22 miles) but taking into account tidal changes, currents and water conditions, the distance covered will most likely be longer.

On reaching the French coast I will pass through Customs and Immigration at Calais, from where I will begin the final leg, a 288km (180 miles) cycle ride to the centre of Paris. Passing the Eiffel Tower and cycling along the Champs-Élysées, the clock, having started at Marble Arch, will stop when I pass under the Arc de Triomphe.

Why

The course record stands at an impressive 81 hours and 5 minutes, set by Edgar Ette in July 2001. Not surprisingly, only a few solo attempts have since been made. After 18 months of careful preparation and training, I will tackle the course in an attempt to improve the current world record and fulfill a long held ambition. At the same time and with your support, I hope to raise in excess of £50,000 for Tusk Trust. Tusk is a charity which promotes the protection of wildlife and habitats, sustainable rural community development, environmental education programmes, responsible tourism, and constructive wildlife research throughout Africa.