Marathon Quest

Martin Parnell

oct 2012 · Rocky Mountain Books Ltd

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In 2005, during a four-month cycling trip through Africa, Martin Parnell was struck by the power of sport and its ability to bring people together and to bring about change. Five years later, the 55-year-old mining engineer, husband, father and grandfather dedicated a year of his life to run 250 marathons with the aim of raising $250,000 for the charity Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that reaches out to disadvantaged children around the world. In the end, Martin’s “Marathon Quest 250” raised $320,000 for the charity, and he personally visited 60 schools, inspiring thousands of children to get active in order to help the less fortunate at home and abroad.

Along with information on technique, gear, nutrition and the challenges facing new and seasoned athletes as they prepare for either regular or ultra-marathons, Martin gives honest and often humorous insight into why an ordinary person would attempt to do something extraordinary, pushing themselves to the limit, both mentally and physically, in pursuit of their goal to make the world a better place. Marathon Quest is an inspiring and engaging read for anyone interested in running, travel or philanthropy.

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Martin Parnell emigrated to Canada from England in 1977. At the age of 47, he started running and has since completed numerous marathons, triathlons and ultra-marathons. Since wrapping up “Marathon Quest 250” in 2010, Martin completed “Netball Quest 61,” setting a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing netball (61 hours), raising $22,600 for Right to Play and helping 452 children. For 2012, he will be attempting “Lacrosse Quest 24” (a Guinness World Record attempt at 24 hours of marathon lacrosse playing); “Cook Island Quest 100” (a 100 km ultra-marathon around Rarotonga Island) and “Soccer Quest 42” (a Guinness World Record attempt at 42 hours of continuous soccer playing). In total, Martin’s “Quest for Kids” (2010–2014) is expected to include 10 “Quests,” raising $1,000,000 for Right to Play and helping 20,000 children. Martin lives in Cochrane, Alberta, with his wife, Sue. They have three children and two grandchildren.