Ross Taggart is Marathon Man
NORTHCLIFF – Ross Taggart runs seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.
Northcliff resident, Ross Taggart became the first South African to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days at the World Marathon Challenge.
The 46-year-old joined a group of fitness fanatics as they were whisked around the world on a plane to complete the marathons from 1 to 7 February.
Taggart had completed many marathons before he decided to take up the challenge but had not done much training for it.
“I didn’t train much as I was only confirmed for the race on 2 January,” Taggart told Northcliff Melville Times.
“I have a base level of fitness and a friend of mine, John Black, who has climbed the seven summits suggested that I rather go into the race undertrained but fit than overtrained and carrying an injury. I think his advice was spot on.”
The marathons Taggart ran were in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth in Australia, Dubai, Madrid in Spain, Santiago in Chile and in Miami in the USA.
“I rolled my ankle in Perth and really struggled on the Madrid, European race. It was -3°C or -5°C and held on an old race track which was surprisingly hilly. Running 13 laps in the dark and cold with an injury was a hassle.”
Taggart said his highlight was running the marathon in Miami.
“Miami Beach is a lovely venue and the Americans really put on a nice show. The facilities and support were superb even though it was close to midnight.”
When asked about travelling between marathons he said he had no trouble sleeping on the plane, was always well-fed and showered at most of the venues. The group also spent about 12 hours travelling by bus.
Taggart has twice completed the six-day, 251km Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert. He also practises tang soo do at Alchemy Dojang in Cresta.
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