Two Dubai residents to run 7 marathons across 7 continents in 7 days

Duo hope to raise funds for underprivileged children in Asia, Africa and Europe

- Vaishnavi Venkataraman

Seven marathons across seven continents in seven days: That's the endurance challenge two Dubai residents are taking on to kick off 2025.

James Elliot-Square and Paris Norriss are gearing up for the January 2025 adventure, determined to complete the back-to-back 42.2km runs of the World Marathon Challenge. And they are doing it not only for the thrill.

The duo hope to raise funds for the Sparkle Foundation and the Sovereign Art Foundation, which help underprivileged children in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

"I have previously been involved in charity work, raising significant funds for various causes. I called Paris to understand his interests, and without much convincing, we decided to go for it," the expat told Khaleej Times.

James had previously tackled numerous endurance challenges, while Paris — who runs a production company — once voyaged across the Pacific Ocean in a rowing expedition.

This project, however, is by far their most ambitious one, demanding over 10 months of rigorous training that involves running over 200km weekly, a strict diet, and a meticulous recovery and logistics plan. “I completed one marathon in 2015 and a 4,800km row across the Pacific Ocean last year. You never know what your body is capable of when your 'why' is big enough”, Paris said.

The World Marathon is one of the toughest global marathons, which requires participants to complete seven marathons across seven continents in seven days.

Participants must run 42.2km each day for a week, braving different terrains and weather extremities. The team will first head to South Africa, from where they will fly to Antarctica to brave freezing temperatures of -25°C.