In just two months, Evan Laframboise will be taking part in the Marathon des Sables in Morocco, an infamous challenge which was dubbed the ‘toughest foot race on earth’ by the Discovery Channel.
The ultra-marathon covers 155 miles (250 km) over six days and requires runners to be self-sufficient, meaning competitors must carry all their own food, equipment and clothing. The participants are only supplied with rationed water and a bivouac – a temporary tent or cover used by soldiers and mountaineers – to sleep under every night.
Mr Laframboise said he wanted to raise £5,000 for the local charity Variety, which supports children and their families living in Jersey who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged.
‘I feel like this race is a real once-in-a-life-time experience, so I want to do as well as I possibly can while raising money for this amazing local charity. It is really important to me that I do something to help a local good cause.’
The 26-year-old former Victoria College pupil from St Helier is fast becoming a seasoned runner, with 12 races already under his belt.
Evan said he decided to take part in the race two years ago after his boss successfully competed in it – coming 107th out of more than 1,000 other runners. In preparation for the mammoth race, Evan’s training regime includes a minimum of six to seven runs a week, as well as strength and conditioning sessions in the gym.
‘I have two coaches for running, as well as strength and conditioning, plus a sports massage therapist.
‘So pretty much every penny I have is going towards running at the moment,’ he said.
‘You could say I have become obsessed with it. If I manage to complete this race while raising money for such a worthwhile local children’s charity, it will all be worth it.’
Evan recently returned from a Marathon Des Sables training camp in Lanzarote where he ran more than 124 miles (200 km) on volcanoes, trails, lava fields, cliff paths and sand dunes, accompanied by world-class trail and ultra-marathon runners.
‘I only started fundraising a couple of weeks ago and have been blown away by all of the support. So far people have given over £900 towards a target of £5,000. I would be so grateful for even the smallest contribution.’
To make a donation, visit justgiving.com. To find Evan’s fundraising page search for ‘Evan Laframboise Marathon des Sables 2018’.
