In June 2013, I will be running the UK’s toughest footrace in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

The Ultra Trail South West 100 is a 100 mile single stage endurance race and is considered amongst the most challenging, nonstop, point to point trail races in the world. This special annual event is a highlight of the British ultra running calendar and attracts runners from around the globe.

The UTSW is intentionally designed to be an exceptionally difficult and can only be achieved with committed preparation, and extraordinary determination.

Each year the UTSW course changes to incorporate a different section of The South West Coast Path (SWCP). Internationally renowned for its remarkable scenery, proximity to the ocean and breath taking terrain, the SWCP offers an unrivalled experience to the adventurous trail runner.

The UTSW 2013 starts on the South coast of Cornwall in Polruan before heading east on the SWCP to the quaint fishing town of Looe. From here the route heads inland along the "Smugglers Way", finally arriving at Boscastle on the North Cornwall coast.From here the route heads west along the SWCP through Tintagel and Padstow before finishing over 100 miles later at Watergate Bay Hotel.

Exhaustion, dehydration, muscle fatigue, cramp and blisters are but some of the hurdles to survival and completion of the event.

Why Parkinson’s UK?

Very recently, a close relative was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; although I was previously aware of this degenerative ailment, I knew very little about it other than the unforgettable images of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, the main symptoms being uncontrollable tremors, rigidity and slowness of movement.As well as affecting movement, people with Parkinson's can find that other issues, such as tiredness, pain, depression and constipation, all of which can have an irreversible impact on the day-to-day lives of sufferers.Parkinson’s UK fund research into more efficient treatments and ways to improve the quality of life of those with Parkinson's, furthermore, as the UK's Parkinson's support and research charity they currently lead research into finding a cure.

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Many thanks

Darren Handley

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