Ultra marathon challenge for LCC academic

by Bryan Galvan

A course director at the London College of Communication (LCC) is preparing to compete in one of the most challenging ultra-marathons in the world later this summer.

Russ Bestley, the course director of MA Graphic Design and the Postgraduate Coordinator for Design at LCC, has worked for the college for 12 years now, and has been involved in competitive athletics for over 30 years.

The marathon, named 'Comrades', is a 55.4 miles long road race, taking place on May 30 in South Africa from Pietermaritzburg to Durban and is the oldest ultra-marathon in existence.

Comrades is renowned for its five difficult hills and the variation in temperature from near freezing at the start, to over 30 degrees Celsius at the finish of the 12 hour time limit.

Runners who fail to finish within the 12 hours are deemed to have not finished the event and receive no recognition.

Keen runner

“This will be my first Comrades, alongside around 20,000 other runners from around the world,” said Bestley, as publicity from the World Cup in South Africa has seen a surge in entries from the usual 12,000 places.

Bestley also plans on taking part in the Oxfam Gurkha Trailwalker marathon in July - a 100km off road event from Petersfield in Hampshire to Brighton Race Course along the South Downs Way.

In this marathon, teams of four walk or run together, and sponsorship is raised for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Previously in last year’s Gurkha Trailwalker marathon, Bestley ran with a four man team and finished in 12 hours 6 minutes - the first civilian team to finish, close behind five teams from the Gurkha Regiments.

“This year we are hoping to improve on that time and to challenge [ourselves] for a higher place at the finish,” added Bestley.

“I have other plans ahead, including several more marathons and shorter races, on and off road,” asserts Bestley, “and a big ultra marathon event along the entire South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne, 102 miles in potentially 24 hours non-stop.”

If you would like to know more about the Comrades ultra-marathon, visit the website.

Russ Bestley’s fundraising page for the Oxfam Gurka Trailwalker marathon can be found here.