Chichester dad takes on North Pole marathon to raise funds for three local hospitals
Seth Wise will face sub-zero temperatures to finish 26.2 miles in one of the most remote parts of the planet
Seth completing his marathon run at Goodwood Motor Circuit, supported by two of his daughters
Submitted by Love Your Hospital
A dad from Chichester has organised a 5k fun run to raise money for three local hospitals in West Sussex, ahead of the North Pole marathon in April.
Seth Wise has set his sights on conquering the FVD North Pole Marathon to raise funds for Love Your Hospital, the NHS charity for St Richard’s, Worthing and Southlands Hospitals, along with two other charities - Cancer Research and Ubuntu Pathways.
The 40-year-old has organised a ‘Frozen Fun Run’ at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on Sunday, February 27, to involve the whole community in supporting his Arctic adventure.
Seth, whose wife Verity works as an maternity care assistant for St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, said: “I am delighted and terrified in equal measure to confirm that the 17th edition of the North Pole Marathon is well and truly on course to take part on Sunday, April 10 2022, after being cancelled two years running due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Ahead of this, the Frozen Fun Run will be a great opportunity to bring local people together safely to challenge themselves and show their support for our incredible local hospitals, especially in view of the unbelievably challenging time NHS staff have continued to face over the course of the pandemic.
“The emphasis really is on fun for all the family with entertainment, music and giveaways on the day. It’s open to all abilities whether you run, jog, walk or shuffle, come and join us at this iconic track for a great cause."
Despite the delays, Seth has continued his gruelling training schedule to keep in peak condition and ready to face extreme sub-zero temperatures to finish 26.2 miles in one of the remotest parts of the planet.
The North Pole Marathon, which first began in 2003, has seen 552 people from more than 55 nations successfully complete the course, and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the Northernmost Marathon on Earth.
The dad of three added: “This marathon is not run on land, it’s essentially run on a frozen piece of ice constantly shifting position in the high Arctic Ocean.
"I’ve taken on 27 marathons and completed an Ironman Triathlon, but this is completely outside my comfort zone. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”
Event organisers provide heated tents every 5km and draft in spotters to scan the horizon during the race in case of approaching polar bears.
Steve Crump, interim director of charities at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Seth is taking part in one of the most unique and challenging marathons on the planet and has continued to train hard despite the disappointment of the event being cancelled.”
“The Frozen Fun Run is a wonderful way to not only support Seth in his dedication and personal sacrifice, but also local NHS staff who have gone above and beyond for us, our loved ones and the whole West Sussex community.”
Entry for the Frozen Fun Run is £10 and under 13s go free if accompanied by a paying adult.
To book your place at the Frozen Fun Run, visit here.
To find out more about Seth’s North Pole Marathon challenge visit here or make a donation, visit here.
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