By Cara Sulieman
A SCOTTISH gym instructor will be attempting to break a world record when he runs across America – to help wounded soldiers.
Don Lennox, 41, is hoping to complete the 3100-mile marathon in 45 days, smashing the world record in the process.
Already the world record holder for ocean rowing, Don will have to run an amazing 70 miles each day to achieve his goal.
And the sports-mad runner will be raising money for Help the Heroes with his epic journey.
La Mondiale
Don’s ocean rowing record was achieved last year when he was part of the 14-strong British and Irish crew of the La Mondiale.
The team travelled from Gran Canaria to Barbados in 33 days, breaking the record of 35 days.
At the time, Don said that he had been considering combining the row with the run.
He said: “I first thought about an ocean row as a means of getting to America so that I could run across it.
“Relative safety”
“The rowing expedition gave me the opportunity to cross an ocean in relative safety in numbers, gaining experience with a view to a back-to-back solo crossing with the run at a later date perhaps.”
Behind him on his next challenge are not only his friends and family, but all of the staff and former pupils at Central College where he studied Sports Therapy.
Don said: “I recently went back to my old college to join the new alumni association.
“It was really nice to share with them my life up to now and the various projects I have undertaken throughout the years.
“I was also pleased with the support and encouragement they showed towards the San Francisco to New York run.
“Although I graduated from Central College over a decade ago, I feel as if I have continued to have the support of the college since leaving.”
Raising cash
And with the backing of such a large group of people, Don is hopeful to raise a lot of cash for the charity.
Principal of Central College Glasgow, Paul Little, said: “Team Central wishes Don all the best of luck for his next challenge and hope the run will be another record to add to his collection.”
Help the Heroes is a charity set up in 2007 by Bryn and Emma Parry who wanted to raise money to help wounded soldiers.
Two years on, they have raised millions towards the cause through donations and various fundraising events.
To sponsor Don contact 07766 894 322 or email on atlantic.continentalchallenge@yahoo.co.uk.
