I love stories like this! On completion of Sunday’s Flora London Marathon, Dave Heeley achieved one of the greatest physical, mental and emotional challenges ever faced by a human being – running seven marathons on seven continents, in seven days to complete the World Marathon Challenge! Add to the mix Dave is a blind athlete, and the achievement is even more incredible.
An emotional “Blind Dave” completed the London Marathon in a time of 5 hours 20 minutes and fell straight into the arms of his wife and three children as gathered crowds watched in awe.
Blind Dave’s 7-day marathon ends in London
Dave’s incredible journey started in the Falkland Islands on April 7th and took in the following marathons on his way to London seven days later:
- Antarctica, Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands
- South America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- North America, Los Angeles, United States
- Australasia, Sydney, Australia
- Asia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Africa, Tunis, Tunisia
- Europe, London, England
You can read more about Dave’s achievement at the official Seven Magnificent Marathons website. 7 Magnificent Marathons is managed and supported by Guide Dogs (the working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association based in the UK).
Congratulations Dave!
That’s amazing! Practically all over the world in seven days. I just wish I could do all seven in a lifetime.
Charlie
Me too! So inspirational. Thanks for sharing this!
Speaking of 7 marathons on 7 continents, I remember watching a documentary about Sir Ranulph Fiennes doing a similar feat, except of course, he wasn’t blind! 😉
Yes, until Dave completed his feat on Sunday, Sir Ranulph was one of only two people to have run the seven on seven. “Blind Dave” is one amazing guy! Really puts my two marathons in seven weeks into perspective…
🙂
Haha, playing off of the marathon man achievement from Halo 3!