ASICS has announced that Wilmslow-born amateur runner James MacDonald has been selected to take part in the Beat the Sun challenge in Chamonix on 21 June 2016.
ASICS Beat the Sun is a unique relay race featuring eight intercontinental teams. The teams battle it out around a multi-terrain course in an attempt to become the first to beat the sun around iconic Mont Blanc in the time between sunrise and sunset.
Competing against each other and nature’s clock, the teams have just 15 hours, 41 minutes and 35 seconds to cover the 130km course. Each runner will complete two relay sections of between 4.5km and 17km, across varied altitude and terrain – including trail, road and alpine – whilst crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland.
MacDonald, 45, of Grosvenor Close, recovered from cancer in his 30s and has gone on to complete a variety of tough sporting challenges, including long distance bike rides and two marathons, but will be pushed to his limits in Chamonix on 21 June.
MacDonald said “I am extremely excited to be part of the ASICS Beat The Sun relay around Mont Blanc, and I can’t wait to train and compete alongside professional athletes and amateurs. Having completed several tough sporting challenges following my cancer diagnosis 6 years ago, when I read about this opportunity I applied immediately! I love to see children and adults participate in sport, particularly running as it is inclusive to all and great for fitness. I hope I can inspire my two daughters and others to get outside and run.”
Thousands of runners applied for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity before 50 semi-finalists were selected by ASICS trail experts, with the final 24 amateurs chosen following a public vote and an assessment of their motivation to take part.
Three amateur runners and three expert athletes will make up each of the eight intercontinental teams, with three teams from Europe, two from America and one from Oceania, Asia and Africa.
James MacDonald will represent the UK alongside professional marathon runner Matty Hynes. Middlesbrough born Hynes finished 17th in last year’s London Marathon. Over the coming weeks Hynes, who has a personal best marathon time of 2:16, will mentor Macdonald, providing him with important advice in preparation for the challenge.
This year a number of former Olympians will be taking part in ASICS Beat the Sun as expert runners. These include former Olympian Ryan Hall, who holds the record for the fastest marathon by an American, sub 2:05, 2004 Olympic marathon bronze medallist Deena Kastor and multiple World Champion Dutch sprint speed skater Erben Wennemars.
Despite their athletic pedigree, these athletes face a new challenge as they are taken out of their comfort zones and attempt to transfer their athleticism into running in the unfamiliar and testing conditions of Mont Blanc.
Whilst runners are taking on nature’s toughest challenge in Chamonix, ASICS want to inspire others to complete their own personal running goals before the sun sets on 21 June, encouraging the rest of the world to make 21 June a Global Day of Running.
In the UK, between sunrise and sunset, the ASICS store on Oxford St will be hosting organized runs between 5km and 8km throughout the day, which the public can register for by contacting the store directly.
Across Europe, ASICS flagships stores will be hosting outdoor and treadmill running challenges to encourage runners to participate with members of the ASICS team.
In store, treadmills will be running non-stop for runners to go and clock miles to go towards the global total. The country with the store that achieves the highest total at sunset will receive a €10,000 donation for a local charity of its choice. Each runner who participates will also receive a 10% in-store discount and qualify for a free Foot-ID voucher.
For those not able to join ASICS in person but want to join the Global Day of Running on 21 June can register by joining the ASICS #BeatTheSun online community and pledging to commit to running a certain distance on the longest day of the year.
The ASICS Beat the Sun race in Chamonix will be broadcast live on ASICS’ digital and social channels, and video reports of the race will be distributed on various global networks, inspiring millions of people across the globe. EpicTV has been appointed partner for video production and digital media broadcast. Other technical partners to support ASICS Beat the Sun with specialised product and expertise include Oakley, TomTom, Isostar, Petzl, Leki, Runkeeper and Haglöfs.
