Former homeless veteran, Craig Williams is set to take on 230k of the deep Amazonian jungle in Peru
Most people would agree that completing marathon distance races would pretty much be the pinnacle of personal challenge. Former Royal Marine and self-professed occasional runner Craig likes to go a little further than most. The majority struggle through a one-mile jog each morning, and to others, the London Marathon is a significant test of their mettle, but one Bridgnorth resident is set to go beyond even that, taking on the Peruvian Jungle by running not just one, but seven marathons over five days. Craig Williams, 41, who co-founded internationally renowned extreme weight loss camp, TEAM Bootcamp in Eardington will fly to Peru, on May 31, to join a small number of Ultra runners and adventurers in the Jungle Ultra, a gruelling 147-mile run over the Andes and deep into the Amazon between June 2 and 7. “Although the Amazon has almost always had a mystical appeal to me, it is an extremely harsh and unforgiving environment. Pretty much everything wants to bite, scratch, sting or suck your blood and the weathers can be just as hostile” said Craig. “My biggest worry is looking after my feet and managing my water intake! I completed the Marathon Des Sables in 2016, a similar race across the Sahara desert and almost fell foul to dehydration and heat exhaustion then. I don’t want history to repeat itself.” “Jaguars seem to be the biggest worry for most competitors, personally I am more concerned about the distance which culminates in a double marathon stage on the final day of 58 miles in a single day. We get limited protection from armed wildlife rangers, but the flora and fauna only add another dimension to what I know will be an amazing adventure.” Craig’s decision to enter the Jungle Ultra is a culmination of his just as impressive rise from heavily depressed, suicidal former Royal Marine suffering from symptoms of PTSD to business owner, author, coach to the stars and even his post as resident expert for weight loss to ITV’s Jeremy Kyle show.
posted Monday May 14th