Backed by the Hotel Inter-Continental Doha, a team of five runners - including one member who is blind - set off today to raise $30,000 for charity by running the length of Qatar, from north to south, entirely unsupported.
The 120-mile run, which has never previously been attempted, will see the team pulling all their food, water and safety equipment in three special, multi-terrain carts each weighing approximately 18 kg and capable of carrying 160 kg of kit.
Major Jay Turner, Steve Morris, Dr Mike Stroud, Rene Nevola and the blind member of the team, Miles Hilton-Barber, were setting off at 10am this morning (Tuesday) from Qatar's southern border crossing with Saudi Arabia. They were aiming to complete the run by reaching Al Ruwais, at Qatar's northern most point, between 48-60 hours later.
Supported by the Hotel Inter-Continental Doha, where the team has been finalising its preparations, the run was planned by Major Turner, a serving officer in the British Army's Royal Engineers, who developed a love of long-distance running by completing the Marathon Des Sables in 1999.
His experience in that event led to the idea for a charity run through Qatar, and he received support and encouragement from Sheikh Tameem Al Thani, President of the Qatar National Olympic Committee, whom the Major met at
Sandhurst.
"We're very happy to be supporting the Major and his team in what is a great adventure, and a worthy cause from which a number of deserving charities will benefit," said Johnny Fattaleh, General Manager of the Hotel Inter-Continental Doha, nominated as Hotelier Of The Year in this year's DEPA Middle East Hotel Awards.
The four other team members all share Major Turner's adventurous spirit. Ren Nevola is an experienced long distance runner and senior scientist specialising in exercise, nutrition and biomechanics. Despite being blind, Miles Hilton-Barber has crossed Antarctica and climbed Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
Said Major Turner: "We're hoping to raise around US$30,000 for various good causes, including the Shafallah Centre for people with special needs in Qatar. We've already raised $8,000, and are still looking for further contributions in Qatar.'
The team have opened a bank account at HSBC in Doha to receive contributions, while the Hotel Inter-Continental Doha is also accepting donations.
UK-based charities which will benefit are: The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, Royal National Institute for the Blind, British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association.
The 245-room Hotel Inter-Continental Doha, which recently hosted Europe's top golfers, officials and media as official hotel for Qatar Masters golf tournament, has been nominated as Business Hotel of the Year, and Environmentally Friendly hotel of the year, in this year's DEPA Middle East Hotel Awards.
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