Barefoot Oz run for Norwich's Jackson Williams

Jackson Williams

KIM BRISCOE
13 November 2009 06:01



Norwich's running man is bidding to get into the record books - by running across Australia barefoot.

Former boxer Jackson Williams has been reinventing himself as an “ultra marathon runner” by competing in challenges which go beyond the normal 26-mile marathons.

The 28-year-old, from Norwich, ran across America in 2007 and more recently ran for 24 hours non-stop on a treadmill in Castle Mall.

Now his is hoping to cement his place as an internationally-renowned ultra runner by taking on his toughest physical and mental challenge so far.

The City College Norwich lecturer will attempt to cover 2,471miles, running from Perth to Sydney next summer.

The run, planned to start next July, will take him through three states, via the treeless and arid Nullarbor Plain and Yellabinna Regional Reserve, with the finishing line at the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Mr Williams said: “I've moved the goalposts and taken it to the next level really. I want do something that people think I can't do.

“I also wanted to be the first to do something and no one has run across Australia in bare feet before.”

At the moment he is training wearing specialist Vibram Five Fingers shoes, which aim to strengthen feet more than when wearing trainers.

After Christmas Mr Williams plans to continue his training in bare feet, to help toughen and strengthen them ahead of the challenge.

He said: “You use different muscles in your feet when you run barefoot unlike running in shoes.”

However, the sport and exercise science teacher needs to raise in the region of £20,000 to fund the challenge and is appealing for businesses and individuals to back his venture.

He hopes to one day become a full-time ultra athlete and to run around the world in stages, breaking records along the way.

He is looking to row across the Atlantic in 2011 before resuming his around the world running bid when Europe or Africa will be in his sights.

Mr Williams recently enjoyed his first taste of life in front of the lens as part of a TV advert filmed with model Nell McAndrew.

He shot the short promotional film for Nokia with McAndrew in London ahead of the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, for which he is an ambassador.

To find out more about Jackson Williams, log on to www.jacksonwilliams.co.uk or email him at info@jacksonwilliams.co.uk.

Are you planning a world record attempt? Contact Evening News reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.

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