This Friday I am flying halfway across the world to Pokhara, Nepal, to run my 6 RacingThePlanet 250km, 6-day ultramarathon.

Although I have finished 5 RTP “ultras” to date (Gobi, Atacama, Sahara, Vietnam, Namibia), this is the first one RTP have organized in the mountains. Not generally being people who do things by halves, they have gone for the jugular and set the race in the scenic terrain of the Annapurna region, home to some of the highest mountains in the world.

I will be one of over 200 competitors from 38 countries. Some of the most experienced and renowned ultrarunning individuals in the world are taking part; the field is essentially a “who’s who” of RTP history, with nearly 60% having competed in a previous race, out of which 26 competitors have completed all 4 races in the 4 Deserts Series.

This is probably due to the fact that this is a “roving race” (RTP choose a new location every year), so this is the first and possibly last time Nepal will feature as a location. The challenge and promise of the spectacular Annapurna mountains have proven irresistible, even if they pose a formidable challenge.

Besides being self-sufficient – carrying my own food, gear, basic medical supplies, sleeping bag etc. – to last me through 6 days of continuous running, the altitude starts at 1800m above sea level, rising to over 3,000m and over several mountain passes comprising a cumulative ascent of over 10,000m (higher than ground to Everest). The effort required is equal to an additional 100km worth of distance – just what the doctor ordered!

The course winds through ancient valleys, remote traditional Nepalese villages, and many rivers which will need to be crossed on suspension bridges. Not being particularly good at heights this will be a significant psychological hurdle that I will have to face down – it won’t do to be stuck in the middle of one mid-race with another 150km to go…

I am running this to raise funds for the Prince’s Trust “Get Into” Programs. The Prince’s Trust is a well-established youth charity in the UK, spearheaded by the Prince of Wales, helping young people from challenging backgrounds with practical and financial support to get them into jobs and develop their workplace skills.

The “Get Into” Programs are short courses which help unemployed youths between 16 to 25 to gain work experience in various sectors. They are special to Mosimann’s because we were the very first “Get Into” program.

8 years ago, Mosimann’s worked with the Prince’s Trust to design the pilot “Get Into Cooking” program. The ensuing success resulted in the scheme’s expansion, so that over 50 programs are now offered across industries as varied as construction and customer services. Last year, 1,790 youths participated in the scheme.

Bringing young people into the industry, and giving them the opportunities or stepping-stones to launch their careers forward, has always been close to my heart. In my various management positions it has always been a source of great personal fulfillment to spot and groom young talent, giving them the responsibilities and opportunities to lead, pick up new skills and dream bigger dreams.

I hope you will join me in my journey on http://www.4deserts.com/beyond/nepal/breaking_news. My brother and partner-in-crime Mark Mosimann, and his wife Jenna Mosimann, will also be running as are some of our good friends, so you can keep track of our progress on the site.

And thank you for supporting my cause. In these difficult economic times, especially in the UK, where so many hardworking and talented young people are struggling with landing jobs and training and apprenticeships, the tangible contributions that I have personally witnessed these “Get Into” Programs make for the young people they support is priceless. At Mosimann’s we “put our money where our mouth is” by participating in the program, and during this race I am going to be thinking of all the lives you are going to change by contributing to my efforts!

More information on the programs: http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about_the_trust/what_we_do/programmes/get_into.aspx