Death Valley proved no obstacle for a 75-year-old British grandfather who has beaten his own record as the oldest person to complete arguably the world’s hottest endurance marathon.
Jack Denness joined 90 runners from 14 countries on the inhospitable Badwater Ultramarathon in California. It was the 12th time he has finished the race.
The school caretaker from Rochester in Kent, completed the 135-mile run in 59 hours, 13 minutes and two seconds.
Regarded by some as the world’s toughest foot race, the marathon pits runners, triathletes, adventure racers and mountaineers against one another in temperatures of up to 55C (130F).
Described as a “Death Valley legend”, Mr Denness was already the oldest person to have finished the event after completing it 11 times before and has been inducted into the Badwater Hall of Fame.
He said: “It’s like a family out here in Death Valley. We look out for each other.
“It’s not about winning or losing but about helping people reach the finish line.”
In readiness for the challenge, Mr Denness went on regular long runs with his dog, Max, near the home he shares with his wife Mags.
He claims not to follow any special diet but insists on taking regular supplies of cod liver oil tablets to help keep his joints pain-free.
He only took up running in his 40s after being inspired from his armchair by the runners he witnessed in the first televised London Marathon.
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