Laser Cutting director faces the toughest race on earth

Laser cutting and marathons might seem miles apart, but a Managing Director from the Midlands is proving it really is possible to work and play hard. SSC Laser Cutting is a successful Midlands laser cutting firm. Its Managing Director, Austin Jarrett, is set to compete in the Marathon des Sables, seeking success in an entirely different field. Described as the, ‘Toughest Foot Race on Earth’, the Marathon consists of an equivalent six marathons in six gruelling days, across the Sahara desert, with temperatures reaching more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mr Jarrett is tackling the challenge for four different charities, seeking to raise a target of £20,000. “I’m supporting the VSO, The Eve Appeal, Help for Heroes and The Oak Tree Farm Rural Project.” he explains. “Companies like ours have a responsibility to behave as good corporate citizens and supporting charities is one way to help make a positive difference to the community which SSC and our employees are part of.” Discussing the greatest challenge of the Marathon Des Sables, Mr Jarrett replies there are quite a few. “There are a number of things that could become the greatest challenge. Obviously the 250km run is quite a long way, but doing this on desert sand makes it more difficult. “And temperatures of up to 50 degrees Centigrade will make it quite sweaty, and a bit more of a challenge. Then carrying everything I need for the week to support myself, except for the water. So I’m not sure which of those things are going to be the most challenging.” Mr Jarrett will split all the money raised across the four charities he is supporting, and importantly is paying all of the actual expenses towards the race himself. He’s been a runner now for ten years, and in 2014 will see in his 50th birthday. The Marathon des Sables might not be the ideal present for many of us, but Austin Jarrett sees it as a great opportunity to get fitter in preparation for the top challenge of his life, and to see what he is really made of. Known simply as the MdS, the race itself is a gruelling multi stage adventure through a formidable landscape in one of the world’s most inhospitable climates; the Sahara desert is among the most dangerous places on Earth. The rules require that all participants are self-sufficient, carrying on their backs everything except the water that they need to survive. Yet more remarkably, the MdS multi-day ‘ultra-marathon’ or ‘ultra’ run format comprises a course of between 150 and 156 (254km) miles. This is the equivalent of running from London to Dover, deciding not to go to France after all and running back again in 120 degree heat with a backpack on. MdS itinerary Day 1 - 33.8 km Day 2 - 38.5 km Day 3 - 35 km Day 4 - 81.5 km Day 5 - 42.2 km Day 6 - 15.5 km The MdS is a six day race. There is only one rest day. The distance is about 254 km. The longest stage is about 91 km.

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