Kaiser the dog set for Arctic race

RUNNING a marathon in extreme sub-zero temperatures in one of the remotest parts of the world would be enough of a challenge for most people.

Anthony Bond

RUNNING a marathon in extreme sub-zero temperatures in one of the remotest parts of the world would be enough of a challenge for most people.

But not 30-year-old Rachel Burrows.

In April, the Sproughton resident is hoping to become the first person ever to complete the North Pole Marathon with a dog as a running partner.

She will be joined by her dog Kaiser, a two-year-old Alaskan Malamute, as she bids to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“I was looking for a challenge and I have wanted to do the North Pole Marathon for a while but I wanted something a bit different so I thought about doing it with Kaiser.

“I have done a few adventure races in the past, which included cycling across Vietnam and dog sledding around the Arctic Circle.

“But this is different and something I can do with Kaiser which brings that extra challenge. I am a little bit apprehensive but also excited.”

To succeed, Rachel and Kaiser will need to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile course in extremely low temperatures.

And although the quantity surveyor admits her patience can often be tested when Kaiser is feeling mischievous, Rachel says they are both inseparable and alike in temperament.

“We drive each other mad but I think I am as stubborn as he is. He is quite big and used to pulling sleds and I will have to work him really hard and train him to heel and run behind me rather than pulling ahead.

“I have no idea how he will behave but I am hoping he will be okay and he will manage to complete it.”

Rachel is looking to raise as much money as she can for Cancer Research UK after she was recently inspired by the case of a friend.

“I was touched by the positive attitude of a friend recently diagnosed with cancer and his relentless battle to stay alive is humbling and inspiring, it really hits home that you should live each day to the full. It is also something that affects so many of us that there must be very few people that have not been personally affected in some way.”

Before she can start raising money for Cancer Research UK, Rachel first needs to pay for the entry fee and flights.

She is looking for help from organisations to pay the �10,000 between them which will cover the cost in return for publicity at the event.

If you would like to sponsor Rachel you can visit www.justgiving.com/rachelburrows2. If you are an organisation which can help towards the costs of flights and entry fee, she can be contacted on 07868 712315 or email rb898com@yahoo.com