Notable Races

The headline events that define William Sichel’s career — from the 3,100 Mile (4,989 km) Race in New York to Badwater 135 (217 km) in Death Valley.

Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race

New York, 2014 · 50 days, 15 hours, 6 minutes

The longest certified footrace in the world: 3,100 miles (4,989 km) around a single city block in Queens, New York. Runners must average 60 miles (97 km) per day for 52 days. William completed the race in 50 days, 15 hours, and 6 minutes — becoming the only person over 60 to finish and the only British athlete to complete the race inside the 52-day cutoff. A defining achievement in ultra distance running.

Smiling on the final lap of the 2014 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in Queens, New York — carrying the Sri Chinmoy and Orkney flags on the world’s longest certified race course.

Crossing the finish line on Day 51 — the only British athlete to complete the the 3,100 Mile (4,989 km) Race inside the 52-day cutoff, and the only finisher aged over 60.

The race scoreboard on Day 51 confirms it: William Sichel — 3,100 miles (4,989 km).

Celebrating with a victory cake inscribed ‘Victory’ — Queens, New York, August 2014.

William presented with flowers after 50 days, 15 hours, and 6 minutes of running — a moment of quiet triumph.

Spartathlon

Greece · Multiple Attempts

The historic 153-mile (246 km) race from Athens to Sparta, tracing the footsteps of the ancient messenger Pheidippides. One of the most prestigious ultra marathons in the world, with strict cutoff times across 75 checkpoints. The Spartathlon demands both speed and endurance across brutal terrain in the Greek heat. William has taken on this iconic challenge multiple times.

Badwater 135

Death Valley, California

Billed as “the world’s toughest foot race,” Badwater 135 covers 135 miles (217 km) from Death Valley (the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level) to the portals of Mt Whitney at 8,360 feet (2,548 m). Temperatures can exceed 130°F (54°C). Completing Badwater is a badge of honour in the ultra running world.

1,000 Miles (1,609 km), Athens

Athens, 2010 · 13 days, 20 hours

An extraordinary feat of sustained endurance: 1,000 miles (1,609 km) around the streets of Athens. William completed this monumental distance in 13 days and 20 hours, averaging over 72 miles (116 km) per day. The mental and physical demands of a race this long are almost incomprehensible, requiring meticulous pacing, nutrition, and sleep management.

6-Day Race, Hamm Germany

Hamm Germany, 2008 · 532m/857km

The 6-Day Race is one of the ultimate tests in ultra running: cover as much distance as possible in six days. William’s 532m/857km effort in Hamm Germany was a career-defining performance, requiring the ability to run, eat, and sleep in a continuous cycle while maintaining competitive pace over nearly a week of non-stop effort.