On January 31st, British explorer Louis Alexander will run a marathon in Alaska for the North American leg of his project to run a marathon on all seven continents in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
More people have been to space than joined the Seven Continents Marathon club, considered by many as the pinnacle of adventure running.
The 23-year-old adventurer has completed two marathons of his project thus far, through the Agafay Desert in Africa and the Wadi Rum Desert in Asia, in October 2022 and December 2022 respectively. In 2023, he plans to complete the remaining five continents: North America, Australasia, South America, Europe and Antarctica.
Speaking about the first two chapters of the project, Louis said: “Both of the first two legs had their own unique challenges. From running through the 38°C of the Agafay Desert in Africa whilst being chased by wild dogs, to the risks of scorpions and poisonous snakes during the Wadi Rum Desert in Asia.
This year, I will complete the remaining five continents, finishing this December in the coldest, windiest and driest continent in the world: Antarctica.”
Louis is now switching the desert for the snowy, sub-zero conditions of Alaska. Louis will run his latest 26.2 miles surrounded by bears, wolves and reindeer at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre – a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care.
Director of Sales & Marketing at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, Nicole Geils, said: “The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre is honoured to be the Alaska location for Louis’ epic undertaking of Running The Seven Continents, and are proud to support his mission for Alzheimer’s Research.
During his run, Louis will be surrounded by stunning mountains, Alpine Glaciers, the Turnagain Arm Inlet, and Alaska’s beautiful wildlife here at the sanctuary.”
Louis is embarking on this project in honour of his grandfather Captain Rick Taylor, who was diagnosed with Dementia at only 58 years old.
An explorer and adventurer himself, Taylor served all around the world during his 38 years in the British Army, fighting against some of the most dangerous forces in the world.
However, it was the battle against Dementia that sadly ended his life in 2019 after 17 years of suffering. Speaking of his Grandad, Louis said: “I had the privilege of speaking at his funeral and made the promise to family and friends to never give up on the fight for a cure, and to support Alzheimer’s Research UK until the day we beat Dementia. I will never break my promise.”
However, this is not Louis’ first extreme adventure. His achievements include 17 marathons in 17 consecutive days, swimming the Hellespont from Europe to Asia, rowing across the busiest shipping lane in the world, the English Channel, to summiting some of the world’s most notable mountains such as Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc.
His endeavours have resulted in over £40,000 raised for charity and the public support of respected figures in the adventure world, including the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
Follow @louisalexanderexplorer on Instagram for updates on his endeavour, and visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runningthesevencontinents to donate.