Sichel counting on Orkney support ahead of New York challenge

The backing of the Orkney public could prove crucial, says William Sichel, as the ultra-marathon runner prepares to take on one of the world’s most gruelling endurance tests.

Nine runners, including the Orkney runner, will, at 6am local time (11am BST), on Sunday June, 17, toe the startline of an event recognised as one of the most exhausting and brutal in the running world — the 3,100-mile Sri Chinmoy race in New York.

Sichel, who became the oldest ever finisher of the event in 2014, is anticipating being pushed to his breaking point once more, in his bid to complete 5,649 laps of the half-a-mile circuit in Queens inside the 52-day time limit.

The 22nd annual event is set to finish on Tuesday, August 7, with competitors clocking up the miles between 6am and 12 midnight each day.

He believed the support of the Orkney public could be key in crossing the finishing line, with the runner set to take to social media in a bid to encourage engagement throughout his time in New York.

“For events such as this, the support of the Orkney public can play a key role. Since I did it four years ago, engagement has become far easier through social media and has become even more important.

“July is a really difficult month, so knowing that people are following you and supporting you is something Orkney does really well. I would like to tap into that support more than I did last time.

“I know much more about the race and how to do it. The question now is, can I do it? It is a massive mental challenge as I found out last time, as it nearly broke me. I’m stronger for it and it will stand me in good stead.

“My top three goals would be to podium in the men’s race, to beat my 2014 time, but really, my bottomline goal is to be there in the end.

“As well as relief at finishing the event, there is an incredible euphoric feeling, one which lives with you for the rest of your life. It is life-changing euphoria.”

The runner and The Orcadian have teamed up in a bid to provide extensive coverage of the 3,100-mile race. As well as weekly updates in The Orcadian, be sure to follow coverage online and on social media in the form of video updates and photographs.