Orkney-based ultra marathon runner, William Sichel, ends the current year with his 5th ultra marathon of 2010, the ”Ultra Indoor Normand” in Evreux, near Paris on Thursday December 2nd to Saturday 4th.

An invited field of leading male and female athletes will contest the  inaugural staging of this exciting new event, in a giant exhibition hall, in the Norman town of Evreux. 

The small lap of 150 metres, will replicate the typical set-up of the old Victorian races when the sport of ultra running, or ‘Pedestrianism’ as it was called, was at a peak of popularity.  Runners competed for huge prize money on small, indoor laps, with major races taking place in London, New York and a host of other venues across the English-speaking world.

In those days the tracks were especially constructed of peat and tan bark.  Nowadays, with improved footwear, runners race on smooth concrete.

Organisers have laid on a multi-faceted event for the public, with pop concerts, magicians, fitness demonstrations as well as the ultra distance event. 

 

William is currently engaged in Project 60@60 in which he is attempting to have set 60 ultra distance records, at World, British and Scottish level, including age-groups, before his 60th birthday on October 1st 2013.  Records will be set at road, track and indoor venues.  More details here:  http://www.williamsichel.co.uk/blog/?page_id=2610

With indoor races being rare these days, this will be an opportunity for William to chase more records at 12 hours, 100 miles, 200 miles, 24 hours and 48 hours.

“My best ever indoor 48 hour distance of 213.9 miles was set in 2007, so it would be good to challenge that.  I think the small lap and indoor venue will suit my style of running, so fingers crossed for a good performance.”

On his return to the UK William will stay in the south of England to attend daughter Tanya’s wedding, in Petersfield, Hampshire.

William is grateful to current sponsors Loganair and myProtein