Polar marathon GP hails ‘experience of a lifetime’

A CAPITAL GP who won one of the world’s toughest endurance marathons has described the challenge as an “experience of a lifetime”.

Dr Andrew Murray, who is tasked by the Scottish Government with getting the country more active, finished ahead of 41 competitors from 18 different countries in the North Pole challenge, taking just four hours and 17 minutes to complete the gruelling race.

The Edinburgh-based locum ran 26.2 miles over snow and ice, while battling temperatures of -27C.

Armed guards were on the lookout for polar bears and the race, which finished on Saturday, was run through the polar “night” of blue skies.

Dr Murray said: “Running at the North Pole is an experience of a lifetime. Your feet sink into the snow with every step and you need to protect yourself from the cold. But it’s worth it, the landscape is amazing.”