How ‘fear of getting old’ motivates desert runner
Amid the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, Harry Hunter celebrated his 76th birthday in late April in a manner that defied convention.
Far from the comforts of his UK home, Hunter swapped the companionship of friends and family for the company of the occasional camel, and birthday cake for freeze-dried meals.
Why? So he could compete in the toughest foot race on Earth – the Marathon des Sables, a 250km, six-day endurance event demanding inordinate amounts of grit. Runners endure temperatures that soar to a blistering 50 degrees Celsius.
On the day itself, he woke to face a gruelling 40km-plus run across the scorching sands.
Hunter is no ordinary septuagenarian. His spirit is one defined by bravery and resilience. Electing to mark his birthday by taking part in the ultra-marathon, Hunter entered the echelons of history.
He not only endured but flourished, crossing the finish line in 507th position among over 800 participants, and becoming the oldest Briton to complete this desert odyssey. Hunter’s journey was not solely for personal glory; he raised £5,700 (HK$55,700) for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service in Berkshire, England.
In an interview with the Post, Hunter highlighted the role of motivation in his pursuit of endurance.
“Training hard and mental strength are two of the key factors that keep me motivated at my age,” he says, underlining the importance of discipline and a strong mindset.
“The fear of getting old is one of the most motivating factors that keep me going.”
Fuelled by a desire to surpass his previous exploits, Hunter remains steadfast in his quest to maintain peak performance and make a difference in the world.
He says he was running the desert race striving to raise as much as he could for his favourite charity.
This commitment underscores a profound sense of purpose that propels him forward.
Maintaining optimal health is paramount for Hunter, who espouses a holistic approach to well-being.
“Some of the most important things I do to keep myself and my body in good health are healthy eating, being careful about what I put into my body, and lots of exercise – all helping to keep my weight in check,” he says.
Central to Hunter’s diet is fruit, particularly bananas, which he consumes regularly and almost religiously, coupled with daily supplements of cod liver oil and vitamin D. For him, prevention is the best medicine.
Running transcends the realm of mere physical exercise for Hunter; it serves as a sanctuary from the rigours of daily life.
“When I’m running I don’t feel the pressure or stress,” he confides.
In the rhythmic cadence of his footsteps, Hunter finds solace and rejuvenation on the road and, as shown, in the desert.
Drawing inspiration from luminaries of the sporting world, Hunter cites Emil Zatopek, the iconic distance runner from the 1950s, as a role model, describing the Czech as “an amazing runner and an amazing man”.
Looking to the future, Hunter harbours aspirations of conquering new frontiers, including an arduous 220km ultra-marathon in the Nevada desert in the United States scheduled for October.
According to its website, the Ultra X Nevada “is a gruelling multi-day ultra-marathon” that “challenges competitors with its diverse terrains and elevations, offering extraordinary views and a test of true endurance”.
Less than six months from now, Hunter will board a plane bound for the western US state with every intention of finishing the race strongly, resolute in his determination to test the limits of his endurance.