A dedicated member of Manchester Road Runners running club is taking on a gruelling ultramarathon in the Jordanian Desert to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Brad Pascall, 29, will embark on a 220 km, five-day race in the heat of the Wadi Rum Desert at the end of the month as part of the Ultra X Jordan 2024 – more than five times the distance of a regular 42.2 km marathon.
The longest day will see him cover 60km, and the route encompasses breath-taking desert landscapes including particularly challenging stretches across soft sand dunes.
Brad has been part of Manchester Road Runners for six years and completed his first ultramarathon – running from Liverpool to Manchester – in 2020 with the support of other members who alternated running alongside him for sections of the journey.
He said: “I haven’t really stopped training for the last couple of years. I always have a race in my calendar.”
Brad works in software and said that running provides a much-needed break from sitting at a desk – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
“They can be some of the worst experiences of your life – especially if you don’t train for it properly.
“But I think turning up to a race day knowing that you’re fully prepared and you get that feeling like you’re a machine and you’re ready for it can be a really good feeling.
“What I’m trying to say is you got to be prepared for some moments of the race to feel awful. That’s all part of that’s all part of the personal growth. That’s part of the package.”
When it comes to his preferred pre-run snack, only the best will do. “Greggs bacon roll with a coffee,” he said, adding: “Greggs please sponsor me!”
Brad is dedicating his challenges to his mum and aunt who have battled cancer.
To donate to his fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/bradrunsfarformacmillan
