Bill Martin is set to run the Marathon Des Sables in 2023 and is bolstering his training on the north Cornwall coast

Cornwall's rugged coastline is a great training ground

With it's jagged cliffs, steep valleys and stunning sandy beaches, north Cornwall's rugged coastline is a great training spot for those looking for a run-with-a-view.

That is why Bill Martin is set to base himself at Gwelmor in the New Year as he steps up his training in preparation for the ''toughest race on earth'' - the 37th Marathon Des Sables.

In April 2023, 55-year-old Bill is set to join around 1,000 runners from across the world in this gruelling race, running six marathons over six days in the baking heat of the Sahara Desert.

Bill will cross endless sand dunes, rocky jebels and white-hot salt plains whilst carrying everything he will need for survival on his back. He is taking on the challenge with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for Parkinson's UK.

Bill said: “After 25 years of saying “I’ll do that one day” I’m now going to do it! In April I will join other athletes attempting to run the equivalent of six marathons in six days across the Southern Sahara.

"It is a self-sufficiency challenge, so I will be carrying all my own food, and kit. Training is already underway; legs are already aching and I’m alternating regularly between being excited and totally terrified.”

In undertaking this challenge Bill, will be raising money for a charity dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's. This crippling disease affects 150,000 people in the UK. Any money raised will be split between supporting local people living with the condition, and research into what is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

Bill added: “My father-in-law has been living with Parkinson's for more than 15 years, and I have seen the everyday challenges and battles the disease puts in front of him and his family.

“I have set myself a whopping target of £10,000, and I know that every single penny donated to my cause will help spur me on when the going gets tough out in the Sahara next April.”

To support Bill in his challenge, head to his JustGiving page.