ORKNEY RUNNER BECOMES FIRST SCOT TO COMPLETE THE WORLD'S LONGEST RACE – THE "SPARTATHLON"

Sanday ultra distance runner William Sichel celebrated his 52 birthday last Saturday by becoming the first Scot to complete the world's longest point-to-point ultra distance foot race - the "Spartathlon" in Greece.

William completed the 153 miles from Athens to Sparta in 33 hours 14 minutes 20 seconds, well inside the time limit of 36 hours, and good enough for 37th place overall (2nd British) from 230 starters.

"I'm delighted to have achieved my main aim of completing this incredible event. I ran within myself in the early stages and then finished strongly, passing over 15 runners in the final 10 miles downhill to Sparta."

The severity of this ultimate test of human endurance is indicated by the fact that only 103 runners finished the race - a 56% drop out rate!

Runners were 'cooked' during the first day as the athletes left Athens but were then battered by torrential rain and high winds crossing the mountains on day two - causing many to abandon with hypothermia.

"It's the hardest thing I have ever done. The hills were incredible and seemed to go up for ever. The trail sections were difficult for me as well, especially as they all occur during the night. I would need to do more preparation on trails if I return to run a better time."

William currently lies 5th on the "All time" list of British road performances with his run of 153.3 miles in 2000 and remains this year's Great Britain No1 with his Phoenix performance of 136.4 miles.

William is a member of the Orkney Athletic Club and was voted Orkney's 'Veteran Sportsman of the Year' in November 2004. He has represented Great Britain 11 times at ultra distance running since 1996.

William set new Guinness World Records for both 100 miles and 24hrs on the treadmill in December 2002. With his wife, Elizabeth, he runs the Orkney Angora mail order knitwear and yarn business in Sanday, Orkney.

William is grateful to sponsors: The Ayre Hotel, The Orcadian , Crantit Dairy (Orkney Ice Cream), dion_networks and Loganair.