News: World’s ‘highest’ Duathlon

Wounded veteran Darren Hardy is set to cover 190km whilst at 12,000ft in the first event of its kind.

News: World’s ‘highest’ Duathlon

Wounded veteran Darren Hardy is set to cover 190km whilst at 12,000ft in the first event of its kind. The 35-year-old will run 10km, cycle 150km and end with a 30km run at The Altitude Centre, London whilst wearing a mask that will restrict his oxygen to 60%.

He will be riding his Ribble Endurance SL on a turbo trainer linked up to Zwift, and will run on a treadmill to cover the staggering distance. Darren served in the Army for 15 years but was released in 2017 due to the mental and physical injuries he endured during that time. Since then he has pushed himself to the limits to raise money for Help for Heroes – a lifeline charity for those suffering with PTSD.

In November, Darren took on ten Ironmans in ten days. He almost hit the target but had to shorten the overall distances due to getting hypothermia on the fourth day– but he continued on and covered 7 Ironman challenges. Speaking about the latest event, Darren said: “I still have aches and pains from my last event, but I’m itching to get going on another ‘World First’.”

“The pandemic has made me get creative with how I can push my body and mind, so if I can’t travel to any mountains they can come to me! An extreme altitude challenge is a way to really stretch my endurance and see what is possible. And if I can inspire just one other wound veteran (or anyone) who is struggling, to put on their running shoes or jump on a bike and see how much better that can make them feel, I will be happy.”

You can join Darren on Zwift for this event on Friday, December 4 from 7am.

Ride scheduled from 9am.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-hardy7