Spencer Matthews is embarking on an ambitious endeavour to establish a world record after defending his looks amid’misplaced’ concerns.
The 35-year-old is putting his body to the test with 30 marathons in 30 days on challenging terrain – sand. He will go 1,266 km from July 26 to August 27.
If Spencer succeeds, he will hold the record for the most consecutive sand marathons.A dedicated adjudicator will be present during each marathon to oversee progress and guarantee that the tight regulations are followed. Spencer’s marathon will be null and invalid if his feet come into contact with anything other than sand.
‘It’s the equivalent of running the entire length of the UK, completely on sand, in temperatures well over 40 degrees Celsius,’ Spencer pointed out.
‘There’s a reason this has never been done before…’ he stated. ‘Let’s make history!!’
Spencer is taking on the mission for a very special cause – he will be trying to raise money for Global’s Make Some Noise, who support small charities across the UK.
‘I’ve taken part in some really tough races, and I wanted to push the boat out this time and try my best to make as much of a difference as possible,’ he told Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on Heart Breakfast.
Spencer has already run five marathons and finished third in the Jungle Ultra Marathon in June 2023, spanning 230 miles of the Amazon Rainforest.
Following the announcement, Spencer came on Lorraine to talk about the forthcoming challenge.
‘I’ve done a few of these ultras before. It’s a love, hate thing but I was looking to do more. I’ve always been really curious about how far the mind and body can go and I really wanted to design and create a challenge that would be a ‘world first’ so this would be a world record if achieved,’ he explained.
Undertaking such a Spencer says that taking on such a massive endurance challenge helps him discover more about himself: “I honestly feel like I learn an awful lot about myself when I do these sorts of things.” endurance test helps Spencer to learn more about who he is: ‘I honestly feel like I learn an awful lot about myself when I do these sorts of things.
‘I’m interested in understanding how far I can push myself.
‘It’s not too long ago that doing any running of any kind would have been difficult. I’ve struggled with problems with alcohol in my life and I am keen to push myself and test myself but also draw attention to the fact that anyone can do interesting things if they set their mind to it.’
His wife, Vogue Williams, 38, was also in the studio and said that, while she will miss him, ‘the break will be good’. Spencer will also be separated from their younger children, Theodore, Gigi, and Otto.
Spencer requested that ‘unhealthily worried’ ladies refrain from remarking on his changing appearance before revealing the challenge.
‘Every single day on this platform, women write to me expressing concern for my appearance,’ he began in a lengthy post on Instagram.
‘They say that I’m too thin and that I look sick… One asked why I’m “punishing my body” and most say “hope you’re ok??”‘ he revealed.
‘This is a quick note to say that your concern is misplaced and the delivery of that concern is unhealthy. I am fit, well, and above all, really happy.’
‘It’s really simple – don’t comment on anyone’s appearance. If someone looks different there is probably a reason for that,’ he added later in the caption.
‘Mine is that I found a healthy lifestyle.’
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV.