Cumbria’s Marathon Man Gary McKee is flying out to America later this week to take on a huge challenge for charity.
Gary, of Cleator Moor, will take part in the 171-mile Grand to Grand Ultra in support of Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
The self-supported foot race starts on Sunday at the Grand Canyon in Arizona and finishes at the Grand Staircase in Utah on September 30.
It is recognised as one of the toughest footraces in the world and one of North America’s top six stunning ultra trail runs.
Runners go through a high desert at an average altitude of over 6,070 ft so Gary will need to be there at least three days before to acclimatise to the altitude.
The course will be split into six stages ranging from around eight to 53 miles, with all stages having a cut off time of when they must be complete.
He will be expected to experience a range of temperatures each day from a high of 30C (86F) during the day to lows overnight of 8C(46F) or lower.
Each night Gary will rest in a tent, which fits up to eight competitors in and is promised clean toilets, water, hot and cold showers and medical facilities.
Gary said: “I was contacted by the organisers of the Grand to Grand to see if I’d be interested in taking part in this year’s race. It was a race I’d never heard about but when I looked into it, I was amazed.
“I will be self-supported for the duration of the run carrying all of my supplies, equipment and food so I will have to carefully weigh everything out before I go. It’s a huge challenge, but I’m looking forward to taking it on! It’s a fantastic opportunity and supporting a good cause which is very close to my heart.”
Gemma Bell, marketing & income generation team leader for Hospice at Home West Cumbria said: “Gary never ceases to amaze us with the challenges he takes on.
“The resilience and strength he showed during his 365 Marathon challenge in 2022, there is no doubt in my mind he will go out and smash this challenge too!
“We are so grateful for Gary’s continued support, as not only has he helped lots of families going through the most difficult of times, but he has helped to raise awareness of the services that Hospice at Home West Cumbria deliver. We can’t wait to follow Gary’s journey through the Grand to Grand Ultra challenge and look forward to celebrating with him on his return.”
For anyone wanting to show their support and sponsor Gary visit his JustGiving page https://bit.ly/3KvCdoK
