SCU volunteer runs the toughest footrace on earth
The Marathon des Sables is the stuff of legends – a truly gruelling multi-stage adventure in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments, the Sahara Desert. It is indisputably the toughest footrace on earth and one of our volunteers, Jacob Hakman, took on this unbelievable challenge last month to raise funds for Street Child United (SCU).
Jacob works as an Associate Director in Investments for the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a Street Child United partner for the last five years. Thinking outside the box in ways in which he could help, Jacob who has a passion for running, decided to celebrate turning 30, by taking on the challenge, with the aim of supporting a charity that he says has a “cause with a powerful goal.”
Only 53% of participants completed the race in 2021 with the six-day race totalling 250km across the Sahara Desert. Whilst carrying all necessary rations and equipment, runners face temperatures upwards of 50°C, with the longest stage covering over 80km. Jacob completed the race in 43 hours, finishing 260th out of the 800 competitors, raising almost £5,000 along the way.
Commenting on his achievement Jacob said:
“It was truly challenging and I made a lot of mistakes, but the experience was incredible and I was blown away by the inspirational people I met throughout the week.”
If you would like to sponsor Jacob’s efforts, please donated here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacob-hackman
