December 27th, 2010

A Man In Ten Million – Historic Steps For British Runner In Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

Dubai (UAE): Aiming to complete a remarkable distance of ten million metres by 2014, British runner Alex Flynn will be one million metres closer to his ultimate goal when he completes the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on January 21.

A lawyer by profession, 37 year-old Flynn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just two years ago. Since then, the sports-mad father of two from Henley has embarked on a global mission to raise £1 million in sponsorship for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust by walking, running or, should his condition deteriorate, crawling a combined distance of ten million metres (more than 6,000 miles) by 2014.

At present, he has covered more than 950,000m and will cross the magic million metre mark and be more than 10% towards his target when he takes part in the world’s richest marathon through the streets of Dubai in less than a month’s time.

“I had wanted to go to Dubai and run the marathon there as I’d been told it’s a good run,” said Flynn, whose challenge will take him across continents, countries, counties and cities as well as roads, deserts, mountains and even open water.

“What sold me the decision to incorporate the Dubai Marathon in my schedule is the fact that my good friend Bryan Garrett lives in Dubai and the chance of meeting up with an old friend and running with him as I cross the one million metre mark was one I couldn’t pass up.”

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will see many runners out to raise funds for good causes.

Few, however, will be on a mission as gruelling as that being undertaken by a man determined to raise funds and awareness, while at the same time fighting against the progression of the disease in his own body.

“I am keen to arrive in Dubai on January 18 and get some miles in on the course,” he added. “After Dubai I have a host of plans that include a 1,521-mile run across Europe and a further 3,000-mile run across the USA – I hope to reach the 10 million metres by 2014.”

Asked if he had a message for the people of Dubai who might be inspired to join him for either the marathon, the 10km or the 3km Fun Run, Flynn said: “There is no local support group for people in Dubai with Parkinson’s so I’d like to be able to discuss how help and support can be made available. People with the disease are not alone – come and help me to help them and come cheer me on.”

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, “Official Outfitter” adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services. Runners can still register at any Dubai branch of Fitness First or online at www.dubaimarathon.org

For further information on Alex and his remarkable challenge please visit www.alexflynn.co.uk