Sichel to contest first ‘home’ 24 Hour race

Sanday based runner William Sichel, 54, Scotland’s leading ultra distance internationalist, travels to Perth this week to compete in his first 24 hour race in Scotland.  The inaugural “Perth Ultra Fest” organized by Scottish Athletics, will comprise four different events including a 100km, a 24 hour race and two relay events to be run on Saturday/Sunday September 13th/14th.

“It feels really strange to be running in my home country after 11 years of running these events elsewhere.  I think this will be my 24th, 24 hour race so I’m looking forward to having a good performance.”

About 22 runners will start the 24 hour event at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and 18 will toe the line two hours later for the 100km (62 miles) race.

Runners will have more than half an eye on the forthcoming Commonwealth Ultra Championships to be held in Keswick in September 2009.  This event will feature a 24 hour and a 100km event and Scotland will hope to send teams to both.

William hopes he will be fully recovered from his epic, record-breaking outright win in the Hamm Six Day race in Germany which ended on July 5th.  William covered 532.6 miles for his second national ultra distance record.  This is currently the world best distance on the track this year with all the top runners having done a track six day this year.

In order that more people can become involved in his event and follow his progress, William has arranged for his web site to be updated during the event www.williamsichel.co.uk

William is grateful to sponsors: Myprotein, Loganair & The Orcadian

End.

9.9.08