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Leeds marathon man heads to jungle
By day he works behind a desk for a firm of financial advisors in Leeds. But in his spare time, David Methley transforms into an action man and tackles some of the most challenging extreme sports events on the planet.
This time next month, he will be heading to Brazil to run 200 kilometres in just seven days. Along the way, he has been warned to look out for panthers, scorpions and stingrays.
David, 47, is taking part in this year's Jungle Marathon during which he will endure scorching heat and massive humidity in a Brazilian jungle.
The hardest leg will be an incredible 50 miles in a day and at night, the runners will sleep in the jungle in special lightweight racing hammocks.
A self-confessed extreme sports junkie, David will have to carry a 20lb rucksack containing a small cooker, hammock and all his food for the endurance event.
"I started running at 18, doing half and full marathons, but decided I wanted to do something a bit different," said David, who works for Leeds financial advisors SMG FS Ltd.
"I did a two-day mountain marathon which included carrying your own tent. It just went from there really, looking for new and different ultramarathons.
"I guess part of it is doing something that a jogger can't do, or has never thought of doing. I don't do the shorter distances anymore and to be honest, I wouldn't get out of bed for a 10k or a half marathon now, it's too short."
By taking part in the Jungle Marathon, he hopes to raise more than 1,000 for learning disability charity Mencap. He will be joined by runners from across the globe, including South Africa, Germany, Iraq, Australia and the USA.
The trip has led to a bit of leg-pulling by his wife Alison and children Abi, 19, and Alex, 14.
"They keep making jokes about how I'm going to get eaten by a jaguar," he said. "I think my wife's taken out extra life insurance as well."
David's punishing training regime sees him cover 100 miles a week, often carrying his 20lb rucksack. He tries to run everyday in his lunch break, and racks up a 25-mile long run once a week.
Last Easter, David took part in the renowned Marathon des Sables, in which competitors complete five-and-a-half marathons over six days through the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
His ultimate dream is to take part in an ultramarathon across the Antarctic.
Anyone wishing to sponsor David can send a cheque made payable to 'MENCAP' to SMG FS Ltd, The North Range, Harewood Yard, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LF.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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