With blockbuster sequel Iron Man 3 just released, we take a look at some real life ‘Iron Men’ who push the boundaries..
By Declan Whooley
The term “long-distance running” probably doesn’t do justice to the epic distances some people choose to run. From the searing heat, to freezing temperatures and about everything else between, there are a number of athletes who have made a name for themselves with jaw-dropping, feet-swelling accomplishments.
Here are just a few of the toughest:
Gerry Duffy
One of Ireland’s greatest ever distance runners, Gerry Duffy famously completed 32 marathons in 32 days, crossing the line in his home county of Westmeath and raising €500,000 in the process. He has also has won the UK Deca Enduroman Ironman distance challenge, an event many regard as the toughest 10 day endurance challenge in the world. It’s basically ten Ironman triathlons; 2.4 mile swim, 114 mile bike, 26.2 mile run A DAY for ten days. Mental.
Also an author and inspirational public speaker – he claimed public speaking was once one of his biggest fears – Duffy has demonstrated an ability to overcome all challenges that have come his way.
Dean Karnazes
Pronounced “car-nah-sis” for anyone not in the know-how, this guy has been credited by many for putting ultra-running on the map. The 50 year-old has achieved feats that many find hard to comprehend, and according to his own book, the brilliant Ultramarathon Man, it stems from his school days.
In 1976 Karnazes ran his first endurance event; a fundraising run on a track for underprivileged children, finishing in just under six hours and raising a dollar a lap from his sponsors. While most students ran only 10–15 laps around the track, he ran 105. He was just 14 years old.
He ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days in 2006, has written a number of books on the growing phenomenon and most of his other achievements will make you feel highly inadequate.
In 2005 he ran 350 miles in 80 hours and 44 minutes without sleep, the previous year he ran 148 miles in 24 hours on a treadmill and once ran a marathon to the South Pole in ?13 °F temperatures… without snowshoes. He has also swam across San Francisco Bay for good measure. As you do. And completed numerous long distance triathlons.
Ted McDonald
Ted McDonald may not have covered as many ultras as some competitors or broken as many time records, but considering he has been running the mammoth distances in his sandals for more than 20 years, this guy deserves huge respect.
McDonald has reinforced the idea that long distance high-logging maniacs don’t need to blow so much money on fancy shoes; that the mechanics for a healthy running stride are already built in. Something that the Tarahumara Indians have championed for generations.
Not surprisingly, he’s been a huge proponent in the movement of running shoes away from heel cushion platforms, to minimal unhindering slippers. Still questioned by some experts, it’s obviously worked wonders for the author of the ace book, Born to Run.
If these real life Ironmen make you feel bad for having that last jaffa cake, then distract yourself with the ace blockbuster sequel from Marvel and Disney, Iron Man 3 – in your cinemas now,