Five miles with… The ultra marathon runners

Two former Scouts, Alex and Malcolm Medcalf, ran seven marathons in seven days in seven different countries, to fulfil the dying wish of their father. We caught up with the running superstars at the end of their mammoth challenge.

Scouting magazine: Why did you take on this challenge?

Malcolm: We wanted to do this for the Group. Our dad was Group Scout Leader of the 5th Dartford for 20 years and we grew up in Scouting. It was his ambition to build a new hall and hopefully we can do it for him.

SM: How did you train for such a challenge?

Alex: I was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan, so the majority of my training was on the running machine near our accommodation. I did do a local marathon outside, which was quite a challenge in the heat and the dust.

Malcolm: I’ve been based in Norfolk with the RAF, so had the more benign setting of the local fens to train in. However, I did rupture the ligaments in my ankle in the summer, so it wasn’t all plain sailing!

SM: Where did your challenge take you?

Alex: We ran marathons in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Belgium and France, before running from Trafalgar Square to home in Dartford.

SM: What was the hardest part?

Malcolm: In a word, Belgium. It was the most miserable day, and running along 26 miles of seemingly never-ending coast from Oostende to Nieuwpoort was the most mentally challenging. We hardly spoke to each other and focused on the pain in our legs.

SM: How did the Scouts support you?

Alex: Twelve of them came out to Gravelines in France to run with us. The local French Scouts also turned out, and it was a great boost. They kept us mentally strong, provided a good pace and helped take our minds off the physical pain. There were more than 40 Scouts running by the time we got to Dartford. Being greeted by friendly faces, it felt great to come home.

You can support the 5th Dartford Scouts’ 777 new hall appeal by donating at https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/5thdartfordscouts and read more about the marathons at www.5thdartfordscouts.org.uk or follow Fifth Dartford Scouts on Facebook.