Orkney based ultra distance athlete William Sichel celebrated the New Year in style when he stormed to victory in the “Across the Years”  72-hour race held in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Recording 269.36 miles, William was 34 miles ahead of second placed Aaron Sorensen of the USA.

Running in hotter than expected conditions William, 55, slowly worked his way up through the field, falling as low as fifth in the early stages. 

William passed 108 miles in the first 24 hours in second place to Germany’s Achim Heukemes.  A lead had been established by the 48 hour mark, in which time William had run 197.3 miles.

“My second overseas win means 2008 has been an amazing year for me, following my victory in the Hamm 6 Day race in July,” said William. 

“I won here in Arizona 4 years ago in the 24 hour event and it’s great to come back and win again in the 72 hour.”

The event is ideal preparation for William’s major record attempt in Athens, beginning on April 3rd when he will make his second attempt on Scotland’s oldest athletic record, when George Noremac ran 567 miles in 6 days in New York in 1882.

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William would like to thank crewman Alan Young from Brechin who traveled to Arizona with William to assist during the race.  Both William and Alan went down with heavy colds as the race started which made for a difficult few days.

William is grateful to sponsors: Myprotein, Loganair & The Orcadian.  Financial assistance was also provided from the Scottish and Southern Energy Spurness Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund