Somei Back is undertaking an incredible 10 Marathons in 10 days as part of several practice events she has planned ahead of the Marathon des Sables in aid of Military Charity Blesma, the limbless veterans…
Somei, of Great Bentley, Colchester, has already completed 61 Marathons and several multiple Marathon challenges. Last year Somei set herself a goal to complete a three marathons in three days challenge and by May she had already made the achievement so went further to complete five marathons in five days with the organisation ‘Saxons, Vikings and Normans Marathons and Challenges’. The same organisation she will be completing the challenge with on Friday.
“I run my first 5k run back in 2011 and my first marathon in May 2014,” said Somei, 52, who helps run the family building company business. “Before I started running I was a typical Barbie girl who was quite happy going to the hairdressers and nail bar every week. Then one day I started running on a treadmill and that’s where it all began.”
The practise events are not to improve Somei’s distance running but to practice running with a 6kg kit on her back which she will need whilst completing the Marathon des Sables in April 2017.
“The reason I decided to take part in the Marathon des Sables is because of my husband. He is extremely fit and very disciplined and for years kept winning the London triathlon in his category. He mentioned that the Marathon des Sables would be too hard for him so I just had to show I could do it.”
Somei’s choice of charity is also down to ‘a humbling experience’ she had when she was visiting her husband Trevor whilst he was volunteering on a cycling rehabilitation activity with charity Blesma. Every year Blesma hold a Solider Ride activity for wounded veterans and Somei was introduced to Members and got to see how such activities help wounded veterans.
To support Somei, go to:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/SOMEI-BACK2