A MALVERN dad will brave a gruelling run in scorching temperatures for the 20th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert.
Mark Britten will join about 200 other UK runners at the event on Sunday.
Over seven days, competitors must run 150 miles carrying their own kit, including food. Nine litres of water are provided per person, per day.
Mr Britten hopes to raise at least £5,000 for Wateraid, which provides clean water and sanitation solutions to the developing world.
"I'm really looking forward to it - it'll be great to be out there," he said.
The 44-year-old, who works for Severn Trent, lives in Court Road with wife Bev and son Carl.
"My wife and son think I'm mad, though Bev has been behind me all the way," he said.
While he has competed in mountain marathons before, Mr Britten has never run as far as the Marathon des Sables. He has been training with running partner Heather Elston for weeks, using the Malvern Hills as a base.
He flew out to the Sahara yesterday (Thursday) after a send-off party at Christchurch Hall, Malvern, on Saturday. This raised £550 towards his fundraising target. To sponsor Mr Britten visit his website at http:// markbritten.saharamarathons.co.uk.
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