As Jesper Olsen completed world Run 2, a British Ultra runner announced plans to break the record for the fastest run around the world.
Kevin Carr 32, England plans to average 32+ miles a day on his 18-19 month run, this would see the fastest run around the world time drop by some 100 days.
The first continent to reach is the Arctic via Northern Europe, so Carr is setting off in July 2013 to run through the Arctic before the 24 hour nights set in during the winter months, the date has also been chosen to avoid hitting Australia during their summer, a bid to reduce running weight by conserving water costs.
The run is completely self-sufficient, a purpose built trailer-tent is being built which allows a runner to run in a fairly normal style whilst carrying 30-50% body weight – something impossible to accomplish with a back pack or when pushing a trolley.
The start date/route choice has been planned around water carrying needs through Australia – running this way without a support crew would be almost impossible in the Australian summer.
Kevin was the first person to run Lands End -John O’Groats as an off-road 1,254 mile mountain-marathon in 2009. The route stuck to the high ground of England and Scotland covering a distance of 48 marathons in 46 days and the combined ascent totalling more than four times the height of Mount Everest.
I have only started to follow these runs around the world recently, and I find it fantastic. These guys are amazing. From the websites, blogs and comments I have read, it seems that Jesper Olsen currently holds the world record at 1 year 9 months and 23 days, Tom Denniss will set a new record later this year of 1 year 8 months and 20 days, and Kevin Carr will then break this again with 1 year and 7 months. Great stuff. I haven’t been able to find any official record keeping site on the web, but it looks like the legit guys police themselves. No problems with that. Should be more of it. As a Brit, I am looking forward to Kevin setting his record, but totally respect the other guys too. Hey, and what about Tony Mangan. he has no concern about being fastest, but i reckon his run will be remembered the longest. Am loving following his and Tom’s web sites, and will be keenly following Kevin’s when he starts.
All I can say is Very Good Luck Keviu !!!
I would very much like to follow you on this epic but will simply rely on dipping in and out from this site from time to time.
Mind you I think looking at your little gig there, you might last longer than the wheels!
Thoroughly enjoy this fantastic journey and doubley important, completely enjoy the chances you get to put your feet up any chance you get!!!
Shine On Moonbeam!