4:09pm Thursday 30th April 2009
By Manisha Mistry
A MAN on a mission has been crowned the second person in the UK to run marathons in all 50 states of America.
Jack Brooks, of Woodlea, Chiswell Green, endured the scorching weather during the Nashville Country Music Marathon on April 25, to complete the challenge.
The 57-year-old dressed in a Roman Centurion outfit to mark his 50th run.
So far, Mr Brooks has raised more than £3,900 for Grove House Hospice, a St Albans charity.
Speaking about his experience, Mr Brooks told the Review: “My feeling on finishing all 50 states was a mixture of elation and relief, but that was after the race was finished.
“The race conditions were gruelling in the heat and people were dropping like flies. Unfortunately one of the half marathon runners dies and a large number were taken to hospital.
“I must say that towards the end I looked up a couple of times wondering if I'd see vultures circling above me.”
Mr Brooks took on his first run, the London Marathon, at the age of 41. His latest mission has set his record to 200 marathons in total, covering 5,242 miles all together.
He is a member of St Albans Striders and the 100 Marathon Club. On June 7, Mr Brooks will pick up his trophy for completing the 50 states, at a 50 States Club reunion marathon, in South Dakota.
Anybody who would like to sponsor Mr Brooks should visit www.justgiving.com/jackbrooks1, and the donations will go to the Grove House Hospice.
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