Two Harrogate men are set to take on one of the world’s toughest challenges.

Ross Grange, 35 and Kevin Walton, 42, will tackle a 230km five day ultra marathon in Peru and battle the Amazon Rainforest in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

Mr Grange is a personal trainer and owner of The Fitness Rooms in Harrogate, while Mr Walton is a client and friend of the fitness rooms.

The challenge begins next Sunday, June 2, and the event sees competitors take on five marathons in five days. The race is open to sixty entrants with only a few people completing the challenge each year.

The ultra marathon is in the Manu National Park and involves a battle against the elements, with high altitudes, humidity, and temperatures of up to 30 degrees.

They will cover over 200km, climb over 4,000m and cross the Amazon River, while sleeping in a hammock each night. It is a self-sufficient race meaning entrants carry their own supplies for the duration of the challenge.

Mr Walton suggested the challenge the pair began training last October and had never previously run more than a 10k. They began running on Harrogate’s roads and built up  tolerance, then began running at Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs.

Mr Grange said:

He aims to raise £10,000 for St Michael’s Hospice and his fundraiser is currently over £5,000.

St Michael's Hospice is a care charity that provides care and support to people affected by terminal illness in the Harrogate district. It is a charity is close to Ross’ heart as his Mum spent her final days there in 2020.

He said:

He will out to Cusco in Peru next Wednesday and the race begins on Sunday June 2. With a downhill race from the mountains into the rainforest.

Mr Grange continued:

To find out more and donate to the cause click here.

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