Orkney’s ultra distance-internationalist, William Sichel, will today (3rd April) embark upon breaking Scotland oldest athletic record.

When he sets off in the Athens International Ultramarathon Festival 7 Day race, William, 55, will need a super-human performance to surpass the 127 year-old 6 Day record of 567.3 miles set by Edinburgh’s George Cameron in New York in 1882.

William just missed the record last July when he recorded 532.60 miles when winning the Hamm 6 Day race in Germany.

He will join 30 starters from 10 countries in the 7 Day race, the longest he has yet attempted.  The race starts at 2pm (local time) at the Hellikin Olympic Complex south of Athens. 

Formerly the site of Athens airport, it was completely re-developed prior to the 2004 Olympic Games and the race course will wind around the hockey stadium and adjacent warm up pitch.  The lap length is 1km – approximately 2/3 of a mile.

As stepping stones to the major target William will be aiming at the World Age Group Record of 449.02 miles; the overall Scottish Record, set in 1991, of 514.02 miles, then the British Record of 518.02 miles before the final push to the 127 year old performance set in an indoor event all those years ago when the sport of ultra distance running, known as ‘pedestrianism’ was in its heyday.

William goes to Athens fresh from his victory in the “Across the Years” 72 hour race in Arizona over the New Year when he was a clear winner with a 32 mile advantage over the runner up. William is also, so far, unbeaten in any event over 48 hours and hopes to keep that streak going.

“I have had a good build up to this event and I’m really looking forward to having another shot at this amazing record.  I’ll need some luck with the weather conditions but I’m prepared for everything so fingers crossed.”

In order to allow more people to be involved in the race William has arranged for his web site www.williamsichel.co.uk to be updated regularly during the event.  BBC Radio Orkney will also carry regular news of my progress www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland/news/orkney/index.shtml

William, as a cancer survivor himself (see Cancer Story: www.williamsichel.co.uk/cancer_story.php) will use the event to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Donate online at:  http://www.justgiving.com/williamsichel