19/01/09 : Men’s Health Article - Cool Runnings
Cool runnings : London lads make marathon Arctic trek for charity
Any marathon runner will tell you that by the time you’ve crossed the finishing line, your body is screaming at you to stop this madness and sit down somewhere quiet. So imagine running the distance of 12 and-a-half marathons in six days – and just to make it more interesting, throw in -30º temperatures for good measure.
On the 15th February 2009, four guys from London will attempt to do just that, as they take part in the most extreme endurance race in the world – the Yukon Arctic Ultra. Under the collective moniker of Team Helmut, Si Bayliff, Andy Pocock, Jules Bartlett and Carlyle Jenkins will trek 515km across the Arctic tundra to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, after Si’s mum was recently diagnosed with the disease. Now that she is recovering well from her treatment, Si and the lads are aiming to raise a minimum of £50,000 towards cancer research and care.
The Yukon Arctic Ultra runs along the northern arctic tip of the Yukon Territory in Canada. In its seven-year history only 47 people have ever completed it, with most succumbing to severe cold, fatigue or lack of food.
However, Team Helmut are determined to complete the challenge, having already begun their intense training several months ago. They can regularly be seen dragging tyres around Richmond Park or in special environmental ‘cold chambers’ where they are attempting to get used to the severe temperatures.
They’ve also gained celebrity support for their cause, in the form of former Newcastle United and England Captain Alan Shearer. “I’ve known Si for more than 10 years and what he and the rest of the lads take on is hard to get your head round,” says Shearer. “It’s great that they are willing to go to such extremes to raise money for such important charities. I am always happy to support Team Helmut in any way I can.”
To keep up to date with their progress or for further info please go to http://www.teamhelmut.com