Mike Oostryck. Photo: Bruce Hunt. d490437 communitypix.com.au.
Camera IconMike Oostryck. Photo: Bruce Hunt. d490437 communitypix.com.au. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Aubin Grove physio to run marathon in Antarctica

Jessica NicoCockburn Gazette

IT is hard enough to complete a marathon in the best of circumstances, but one Cockburn man is aiming to do it in one of the coldest and most inhospitable places in the world.

Aubin Grove Physiotherapy’s Mike Oostryck has just a few weeks left to prepare for the gruelling 42km marathon run, which he has made extra challenging by deciding to do it in Antarctica.

While a marathon can be taxing enough, there are extra challenges to doing one in a place like Antarctica, the least of which was the need for very specific clothing.

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Runners need to be donned in a special layering system that allows for sweat to be absorbed and the runner to remain insulated and protected from the wind, while still being light enough to run in.

Mr Oostryck said he was excited to tackle the challenge, which is limited to just 200 competitors.

“I’ve done a few marathons before, but never in these sorts of conditions, it definitely will be the hardest one yet,” he said.

“I’ll be happy just to finish, but anything under five hours and I will be pretty happy.

“I suppose I love a challenge and pushing myself to see just what I can do.

“I have always been fascinated with travelling to places off the beaten track and I can’t think of a more remote place than Antarctica.”

He will be fundraising for WA charity 12 Buckets, a school based program that couples students needing extra support with volunteer mentors.

Visit give.everydayhero.com/au/antarctica-marathon-2019 to donate.

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