Scotland’s leading ultra distance runner William Sichel, from Orkney, becomes the first Scot ever to compete in the prestigious Surgères 48 Hour race in western France, this Friday (16th May)

A field of 12 men and 12 women, representing 12 nations, have been invited to the 23rd edition of this unique event.  Running on a specially prepared, 300 metre cinder track in the centre of town this event has produced a mass of world and national records over the years and is rightly considered the de-facto World Championships of the 48 Hour event.

William considers it a big step forward in his multiday running career to have been invited to this event.

“I certainly feel honoured to have been invited this year and to be able to race in such illustrious company.  I feel it is also a tangible form of recognition for my performances over the last two years. 

Highlights have been a British record (and 7th place overall) in the world’s hottest race, the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon in July 2006; a Scottish record and 9th overall in the 153 mile Spartathlon (the world’s longest point-to-point race) in September last year; two outright wins and course records in the Monaco 6 day races of 2006 and 2007 (502 miles, with world rankings of 1 and 3 respectively); and a Scottish 48hr indoor record (213.92 miles) in the Czech Championships last year.

William has recently returned from a two week, warm weather training camp in Lanzarote.

“The Surgères race is well known as frequently being a very hot one.  I am now well prepared for the heat and am in good form after a good training spell in Playa Blanca.  Temperatures soared to 39°C whilst I was there, which was excellent preparation for me.”