City GP faces seven ultra marathons on seven continents in seven days

A DOCTOR is taking on the challenge of running seven ultra marathons on seven continents in seven days to promote the benefits of exercise while raising more than £10,000 for charity.

Andrew Murray, an Edinburgh GP, will travel to Antarctica, Patagonia, Atlanta, London, Egypt, Dubai and Australia, where he will run 50km each day.

Dr Murray, the Scottish Government’s physical activity champion, hopes people will walk, run or cycle 5km each day he is away on the adventure.

He said: “It’s about being 
active and how you can build exercise into day-to-day life. It’s about promoting how much healthier and happier you can feel after getting active.

“People could set themselves a challenge if they want, be it a 5km, 10km or ultra marathon.

“I’m not especially the best runner out there but I train hard and I’m motivated. But it’s about taking steps to get on the road to being active.”

Of the challenge, he added: “I’m sure it’s going to be 
really hard work but it will all be worth it to get across a really 
important health message.”

Dr Murray, 32, will begin the attempt in Antarctica on 23 
November – days after he takes part in the Ice Marathon event.

His efforts will also be raising money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Last year he finished a 
challenge which saw him run from John O’Groats to the 
Sahara Desert seven days ahead of time.

He clocked up an average 34 miles a day for 78 consecutive days, the equivalent of more than 100 marathons.

Earlier this year he won a marathon over snow and ice at the North Pole, coming first out of 41 competitors from 18 
countries, running 26.2 miles in temperatures of minus 26C.