ITM Director Mike Jackson will soon travel to North America to take part in what is humbly described as a "Self-supported Foot Race", this is somewhat misleading...
Having completed the Marathon des Sables in 2017, Mike felt the need to stretch himself again whilst trying to raise some money for The Brain Tumour Charity, check out Mike's Just Giving page and watch the video of his challenge.
....from the Grand 2 Grand website.
THE GRAND TO GRAND ULTRA IS THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
273 km in 6 stages, over 7 days. Make no mistake, it’s tough.
Running through the Utah and Arizona desert, you will need to dig deep to uncover your untapped strength and determination. But you will not be alone.
Everyone on the Grand to Grand Ultra is on a quest to become more than they ever conceived. Discovering new strengths on this life changing experience creates some of the strongest bonds and friendships imaginable. Together you will support and encourage each other past the limits of endurance.
The Grand to Grand Ultra is the first self-supported stage footrace ever to take place in America, on a world class course that has been experienced by few brave adventurers.
It is the only stage race to start from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the awe-inspiring north rim of the Grand Canyon, and finish on the summit of the Grand Staircase, one of the world's most iconic geological formations.
The course takes you through a high desert landscape of sand dunes, red rock slot canyons, buttes, mesas and hoodoos. You will experience the remotest part of continental America as did the earliest settlers, Navajo and Paiute Indian tribes. This is where Montezuma's gold is reputed to be buried.
You will be immersed in an environment rich in flora and wildlife – from unusual and threatened cacti to big horn sheep to America’s largest bird, the endangered California Condor. Reliant on yourself and without the distractions of phones, laptops and social media you will experience an empowering and inspiring journey that is simply life changing.
We wish Mike the very best of luck.