Kent man completes ultra-marathon
16 Jul 10
A superfit pensioner from Kent has completed a 135-mile race through Death Valley in California, breaking his own record of being the oldest person to finish the ultra-marathon.
Jack Denness, 75, crossed the finish line in 59 hours, 13 minutes and two seconds.
It is the 12th time he has completed the event, which is regarded as the world's hottest endurance race. The grandfather has been inducted into the Badwater Hall of Fame.
The part-time school caretaker, from Rochester, left behind 90 other runners from 14 nations.
Runners, triathletes, adventure racers and mountaineers who participate in the Badwater Ultramarathon face temperatures as high as 55C (130F).
The pensioner, who is described as a “Death Valley legend”, said : "It's like a family out here in Death Valley. We look out for each other. It's not about winning or losing but about helping people reach the finish line."
In a bid to prepare himself for the event, Mr Denness went on regular long runs with his dog.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
http://www.badwater.com/ (Badwater Ultramarathon)
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