Spencer Matthews, the 35-year-old former reality television star, is embarking on an extreme challenge to set a world record. He has set himself the ambitious goal of running 30 marathons in 30 days on sand, a grueling terrain that will test his physical and mental limits. This extraordinary feat will cover a distance of 1,266 kilometers, or the equivalent of running the entire length of the UK on sand in sweltering temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
The mission behind this extraordinary challenge is not solely about setting a world record but also about raising funds for Global’s Make Some Noise, a charitable organization that provides support to small charities across the UK. Matthews is deeply committed to making a positive impact and hopes to inspire others to push their limits while supporting a worthy cause.
Prior to this challenge, Matthews has completed five marathons and achieved third place in the Jungle Ultra Marathon in June 2023, where he traversed 230 kilometers of the Amazon Rainforest. He is no stranger to grueling endurance tests and is eager to explore the boundaries of his mind and body. Matthews believes that these challenges provide valuable insights into his character and resilience.
Regarding the challenge, Matthews remarked, “I’ve done a few of these ultras before. It’s a love-hate thing, but I was looking to do more. I’ve always been really curious about how far the mind and body can go, and I really wanted to design and create a challenge that would be a ‘world first,’ so this would be a world record if achieved.”
He continued, “I’m interested in understanding how far I can push myself. It’s not too long ago that doing any running of any kind would have been difficult. I’ve struggled with problems with alcohol in my life, and I am keen to push myself and test myself but also draw attention to the fact that anyone can do interesting things if they set their mind to it.”
As Matthews embarks on this momentous challenge, he will be supported by his wife, Vogue Williams, and their young children. His journey will not be without its sacrifices, as he will be away from his family for an extended period.
Before announcing the challenge, Matthews addressed concerns about his appearance, which he attributed to adopting a healthier lifestyle. He emphasized that unsolicited comments on one’s appearance can be misplaced and unhealthy and encouraged people to refrain from making such remarks.
