Policeman Bids For World Record

2 SEP2010

Surrey policeman Lee Chamberlain is finalising preparations for his attempt at one of the UK's most iconic running records. Ultra-running specialist Chamberlain will attempt to break the world record for running the length of Britain from John o'Groats to Land's End.

The current record stands at 9 days 2 hours and 26 minutes and was set in 2002. Chamberlain will set out with the simple aim to break the record. No-one should under-estimate his determination to do so. Last year he set the 7 day treadmill world record, covering an incredible 468 miles. He will warm up by taking part in the Trans Britain Race which begins on September 11 and traces a 156 miles route over six stages from Scotland through England to Wales.

In 2001 Chamberlain had a serious accident involving two vehicles, it was a near miss that caused him to think as he lay in his hospital bed. He resolved to undertake an extreme challenge and it led to him tackling a series of treadmill records, before finally etching his name into the Guinness Records with his week-long stint.

His latest challenge is one that has really set his competitive juices flowing. He said: "I wish it was tomorrow. I'm feeling ready to go now. I feel confident I can run 70 to 80 miles a day quite comfortably. It's those extra 10 to 15 miles that will make it hard.

"I plan to start with fairly low mileage over the undulating ground and cold conditions in Scotland - about 70 miles a day. After two or three days I think your body gets used to it." Chamberlain will have a support team to drive the support car, provide food and clothing and also simple human company.

"I plan to grab a couple of hours sleep per day." He says. "Food will be as normal as possible, jacket potatoes, rice pudding, that sort of thing. I find if I use gels my stomach starts to turn like a washing machine." To help him break the record, he has one final motivator up his sleeve. "It's my wedding anniversary on November 10. I've got to be back by then or the wife will kill me!"

To find out more about John's incredible challenge, see his website.