Sichel delighted with 3,100 mile race performance

Orkney-based ultra marathon runner, William Sichel (64) has returned from a gruelling experience in the World’s Longest Certified Footrace – the Sri Chinmoy 3,100 Mile in New York which finished on August 7th.

Described by the New York Times as the “Mount Everest of ultramarathons” this unique event is run around a 0.55 mile loop in Queens, New York with runners required to run 5,649 laps in order to complete the distance within the 52 day time limit.

William covered 2904.2496 miles in the 52 days and set multiple records at World, British and Scottish level and at a variety of distances, in what he has described as the most demanding event he has ever competed in.

“The combination of multiple days where the temperature passed 35 deg C, high humidity and prolonged torrential downpours, they were the most testing conditions I have ever been challenged with.”

Runners need to average 60 miles a day to complete the distance in the 52 days but William got behind during the first month and was unable to make up the distance before the time was up.

William averaged 55.8 miles a day for the 52 days and finished as 5th man and 7th place overall.

“I’m pleased and delighted with my performance given the circumstances and the fact that I’m just 6 weeks away from being a pensioner.  Of course I would loved to have completed the full distance but I’m very philosophical and am very satisfied with the distance I achieved and all the records I have set.”

William completed the event, for the first time, in 2014 finishing the 3,100 miles in 50 days, 15 hours, 6 minutes and 4 seconds and becoming the oldest ever finisher at the age of 60.

William would also like to express his thanks to crewman Alan Young, who was in attendance throughout the race and to Tim Rainey and Adrian Stott came out for a week each to support him.

William will now have a period of well earned rest and recovery before planning any future events.

William is currently persuing his record-setting project called “Journey to 750” in which he is attempting to set 750 running records at World, British and Scottish level, including age-group records. Currently he has set 434 records (not including the latest ones from New York), including 45 world age-group records and two Guiness World Records. His shortest record is for 30 miles on the track and his longest is an overall British record for 3100 miles/5000km on the road.

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