Some would say that BP Tanker Driver John McKenzie isn’t quite the full load! He decided to take up running in 1997 at the age of 40 when he noticed middle-age spread was looming. A few months later John entered the London Marathon; he completed the 26.2 miles in 3 hours and 50 minutes but admits, “I was in agony and vowed never to be so stupid again”. However, 13 years and 67 marathons later John, who is now a long standing member of the Southampton Running Club, is about to face the Marathon des Sables, reputed to be the toughest footrace in the world. The 6 day 243km/151 mile race across the Sahara desert in Morocco begins on the 4 April 2010. Over 800 runners from around the world will complete a marathon each day whilst carrying their own provisions in agonizing desert temperatures.

John now has a personal best time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, but that wasn’t set in desert heat whilst carrying kit. However John spent nine years in the army before joining BP so he is fully aware of the challenges ahead. Apart from the personal sense of achievement which must drive all sports people John is running the Marathon des Sables to raise money for ‘Help for Heroes’. He’s already raised nearly £2000 of his £2500 target but would like to raise as much as possible for this very worthy charity. John said, “Unlike the young men and women in our armed forces today; my years as a soldier were fairly peaceful. I am continually humbled by their selfless acts of sacrifice and courage; they truly have earned the right to be called heroes”.

Recently some of John’s fan club showed their support by coming to work at BP wearing their sports kit; they all donated money to ‘Help for Heroes’ via www.justgiving.com/johnmckenzie All monies raised goes to the charity.

Photo shows from Left to right; Charlotte Crook, John Howard, AlexWojcik, John McKenzie, Caroline London, Duncan Knight, Suzie Rickman