28th November, 2019

A Marathon Year for OAs Digby and Bruce Walker

MdS

On 3rd April 2020, OA Digby Walker (T11) and his parents Bruce (T66) and Nicola will be traveling to Morocco to run the Marathon Des Sables 2020, often referred to as ‘the toughest footrace on Earth.’ It is a 156-mile race through the Sahara Desert over six days, where the team will be battling temperatures of up to 50C and carrying all their own equipment, food and water.

Digby says: “Any of you who remember what I’m like in the heat will realise what a challenge that will be in itself! Bruce will also become the oldest Scotsman ever to complete the race, assuming we all stay ahead of the backmarker camels…”

Two weeks later, Digby, along with five friends, will be attempting to set a Guinness World Record at the 2020 London Marathon for the fastest marathon in a 6-man outfit. The current World Record is 5 hours and 59 minutes, something which Digby believes is “eminently beatable, although probably rather contingent on the state my feet are in!”

The Walker family’s efforts are all in aid of the fantastic charity Ambitious about Autism, whose aim is to ‘make the ordinary possible for more children and young people with autism.’

“Having grown up alongside my two wonderful autistic cousins and seen first-hand the challenges that they and the family have faced, I am incredibly excited to be supporting such a worthy cause and with your help, aiming to raise £10,000” says Digby.

With the entire MdS trip being self-funded, every penny raised will go straight to the charity. Click here to find out more and to support the Walker's great efforts!