Kit breakdown – seven marathons in seven days
Travel Channel presenter Rob Bell reveals the equipment he’s taking across seven continents
Redefining ‘brave’, Travel Channel presenter Rob Bell is planning to run seven marathons in seven days across all seven of the world’s continents, starting in Antarctica today (January 19th).
“I’ve done endurance events before, but nothing like this,” says Bell, who is doing the challenge with five friends. “The running itself will of course be a challenge but having any sleep confined to the few hours I can grab on planes between locations adds a whole new element. And I like my sleep.
“We are doing this in order to raise money for charity. We have selected: KEEN London (UK) and The John Maclean Foundation (Australia). These charities provide access to sport for disabled children as well as helping them lead normal lives. This adventure is self-funded and all donations go directly to the charities.”
Bell and chums start today on Antarctica’s King George Island then fly up to Punta Arenas in Chile for tomorrow’s instalment. From there they head to Houston in the US, then London for the European leg, flying on to Cairo in Egypt to tick off Africa, then Singapore for the Asia stopover, before finishing in Sydney, Australia on 25th January.
The total distance they’ll cover on foot will be 295km, and they expect to be running for around 42hrs. Total flying time will be 52hrs, and the total distance covered (including running and flying) will be 43,500km.
We’re all here together!! @777epic @travelchannel @fly1above We fly to Antarctica first thing tomo. Night night. pic.twitter.com/BRjlv0kfHi
— Rob Bell (@MrRobBell) January 18, 2015
“I am unbelievably excited to take part in such a mammoth endurance sports challenge. Not only am I eager to push my body to its absolute limits, my key motivation is the two amazing charities that the boys and I are doing this for.”
Rob has kindly agreed to share his kit list for this mammoth challenge with us:
– 7 x 2XU running tops – mix of vests and tees
– 1 pair Nike & 1 pair Umbro general sports shorts – anything with pockets I like
– Range of running and generic sports socks
– 3 pairs 2XU compression tights (cold weather running & recovery)
– 2 pairs 2XU compression socks for flights recovery
– 1 x headsweats running visor for sunny / hot climes
– Ronhill hat & gloves set for cold climes
– 1 x Garmin Forerunner 620 & heart rate monitor
– Many hours worth of 1Above flight drink – to remain hydrated in the air and help prevent DVT
– 2 x 2XU polo shirts for travel
– 1 x 2XU hoody for travel
– 1 x 2XU down jacket for warmth & comfort in cold climes
– Therabands for mobilising and conditioning muscles
Rob Bell’s 777 marathon challenge will feature this April on Travel Channel, Virgin Media 288, Sky channel 249 and 251 and on Freesat, channel 151.
In order to donate anyone can go to the website: www.1above777.com.
On a scale of one to ten, how hard do you rate this challenge? Let us know in the comments!
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
