A runner takes on ultra island marathon challenge in Caribbean

A man is preparing to take on an ultra-fitness challenge in the Caribbean.

Karl Thompson, 55, from Wokingham is aiming to raise £100,000 for The Sandals Foundation which will provide life-saving equipment to paediatric health facilities in the region.

The challenge involves a half-marathon around mainland Saint Vincent, two 15km (9.3 mile) runs, 35km (22 miles) of sea kayaking, and an all-day hike to the summit of active volcano, La Soufrière.

Mr Thompson said the hike will be “the cherry on the top of the cake”.

Last year Mr Thompson and a group of friends took part in an inaugural island run in Antigua where they covered 25km (15.5 miles) per day across four days to raise over £100,000 for paediatric health.

And in 2023 the team of 25 ultra-marathon runners raised £101,216.

“After we completed the back-to-back marathons’ last year, running round the whole circumference of Antigua, we thought, right, let’s do something for Saint Vincent’s,” he added.

“I was out there earlier this year and I pieced together the itinerary and said ‘let’s do this’.”

Mr Thompson explained that he started running almost five years ago during the Covid pandemic.

“It was my way of getting out and about, just trying to help my mental health,” he said.

He trained by doing 30 half marathons and “got myself fit”.

He said the biggest challenge will be getting used to the heat and taking on rowing and kayaking.