This April, 15 years' on from his previous (successful) attempt at a multiple marathon, Charlie is running in the 2023 edition of the Marathon des Sables . 

The Marathon des Sables - often referred to as the world's toughest footrace - is a self-supported endurance event run across the Moroccan Sahara over the course of a week, through some of the world's most inhospitable terrain, covering roughly the equivalent of six marathons in seven days: approximately 250 kilometres in total.

All 'competitors' in each year's event must carry all their own food, sleeping equipment and other supplies for the week (only water is provided) and endure temperatures that regularly exceed 40C during the daytime.  At night, 'competitors' hunker down, eight to a bivouac, sharing pain-induced camaraderie, freeze-dried food, a complete lack of privacy, and exceptionally basic sanitation.  The completion rate for the event ranges from around 50% in 'tough' years to 90% in more benign renewals.

To date, Charlie has run over 1,300 kilometres in training - not to mention innumerable hours on the exercise bike, pool and in the gym.  For most of his running he's been accompanied by his faithful dog, Tangle, a diminutive labrador / cocker cross with extraordinary powers of endurance.  Tangle has even created her own 'dog blog' charting her experiences through the past six months with Charlie.  Click here to read more... 

Charlie is seeking to raise money for a variety of charities and projects - often lesser known - who undertake incredibly valuable work in supporting and treating those with cancer, and their families around them.  In particular, Charlie is supporting:

Rennie Grove Hospice Care

The Anthony Nolan Trust

Child Bereavement UK

Maggie's Trust

Lindengate