Athlete news: Orkney’s William Sichel adds over 50 records to his impressive tally after running a negative split in the epic race
Orkney-based ultra marathon runner, William Sichel (60) completed the World's Longest Certified Footrace – the Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in New York last week, in a time of 50 Days 15 hours 06 minutes and 04 seconds.
William has now run further in a single, measured race than any other Scot, any other British athlete, and/or anyone over the age of 60 – ever. In doing this William set over 50 records at the Scottish Over 60, Scottish Overall, British Over 60, British Overall and World Over 60 levels.
Finishing as the sixth male finisher overall, William became the first person over 60 ever to complete this incredible challenge. William struggled early on and by day 19 was 71 miles behind the daily average required to complete the race in time.
He managed to claw his way back, day by day and eventually finished with more than a day in hand. This entailed running the second half of the race three and a half days quicker than the first half, a feat that had never been done before in the 18 year history of the race.
Race Director Sahishnu Szczesiul described William's run as “the performance of the race”.
“I found the race incredibly hard – far and away the hardest thing I have ever done. I then made it harder for myself by falling behind and having to run a negative split to finish. I had to battle the heat and humidity, the noise, the unreal distance and duration. I was so relieved to finish within the time limit.”
William hopes to have high-lighted the benefits of exercise for the over 60s as well as raise money for the CLAN cancer support charity.
William made the decision 18 months ago to compete in this race as he wanted to mark his 20th year in ultra distance running and his 60th year, by tackling something rather special and this event seemed to fit the bill. He will now allow time for a full recovery, both mental and physical, before returning to competition next year.
William is raising funds for CLAN Cancer Support and his dedicated web page can be found here: www.justgiving.com/William-Sichel
William is working on Project165.com in which he is attempting to have set 165 ultra running records before his 65th birthday on October 1st 2018.
William is grateful to main sponsors the Orkney Islands Council.
3100 mile Race Web Site: www.williamsichel.co.uk
Find out more about William Sichel at: www.williamsichel.co.uk/blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WilliamSichelAthlete
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/williamsichel
youtube: www.youtube.com/user/William30179
