A VETERAN of ultra-marathons in destinations as harsh as the Sahara Desert is now orgainsing similar extreme races closer to home.
Keith Gray, who is hoping to race in Niger later this year, has set up races in Lincolnshire and Rutland for extreme athletes who run up to 70 miles in each race.
Keith, who plays for Bourne Town FC, said: "I was inspired by the race locations whi
le racing abroad and wanted to try to develop events in great locations myself."
His website, www.fat-feet.co.uk, is now open for entries to races from half-marathons to a 70-mile ultra marathon at Grimsthorpe. Other venues are Bourne Wood and Rutland Water.
He said: "Living and training in Lincolnshire and Rutland made these obvious starting points.
"I hope that it's not only experienced runners that enter these events but also novice runners looking for a challenge and a good day out in a great location.
"It will be interesting to see how many people from the local area are brave enough to take on the Grimsthorpe Ultra 70.
"I think this will be a truly fantastic event as the entrants work through the night led only by glow sticks to get to the 70 mile finish line the next day.
"It's been a lot of hard work planning the logistics of the races but I'm sure it will be worth it when the starter horn goes for the first race in May."
