Cupar employee signs up for marathon challenge

Spring might be in the air but the challenge of the searing Sahara heat is calling for one Cupar employee.
David Cowan has signed up for the 2017 Marathon Des Sables  an approximately 156-mile ultra-marathon race in the Sahara desert.David Cowan has signed up for the 2017 Marathon Des Sables  an approximately 156-mile ultra-marathon race in the Sahara desert.
David Cowan has signed up for the 2017 Marathon Des Sables  an approximately 156-mile ultra-marathon race in the Sahara desert.

David Cowan, who is harvesting manager at Kettle Produce, has signed up for the 2017 Marathon Des Sables – an approximately 156-mile ultra-marathon race in the Sahara desert.

Based at the company’s Balmalcolm site, David will cross the world’s largest hot desert over seven days to raise money for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

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The run begins on April 9, with participants required to be self-sufficient for the length of their journey aside from a water provision. All kit and food has to be carried and water is rationed – with time penalties imposed if you need extra water.

David is a keen distance runner and has been following an intensive training regime for the race since December 2015. He also has previous extreme ultra-marathon experience, having successfully completed the Jungle Marathon through the Amazon.

David said: “Whilst I am used to the high temperatures found in the Kettle field office during sunny summer days, I expect the Sahara will be just a little more intense – temperatures can reach up to 48oC at midday, even in April.

“In order to build my stamina and endurance for the event I have completed a variety of ultra-runs, hill races and speed runs, as well as taking part in local events such as the Glencoe and Glentress Marathons and the Glen Ogle 50km. My longest expedition so far was the 100km Falco Trail, which I completed in 16 hours and 33 minutes.”

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With only a few weeks left before departing for the Sahara event, David is pushing forward with his fundraising efforts. He has already exceeded his fundraising target of £900.

Liz Waugh, Kettle Produce financial director added: “Having a dedicated and motivated staff member such as David is a real inspiration to us all and we are proud to support his endeavours.”

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-COWAN6