Former reality TV star Spencer Matthews has set a new Guinness World Record by completing 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days entirely on sand, raising over £350,000 for charity in the process.
The 36-year-old, known for his time on Made In Chelsea, has transitioned into an endurance athlete, taking on the grueling challenge of running 1,266 kilometers across the Jordanian Desert.
Starting near Wadi Rum on the Arabian Desert’s edge and finishing near the Dead Sea, Matthews braved extreme temperatures and harsh conditions to support Global’s Make Some Noise charity, which aids grassroots projects and small charities across the UK.
His motivation came from the knowledge that the pain and hardship faced by those he was running for far outweighed his temporary discomfort.
Throughout the challenge, Matthews adhered to strict rules, ensuring he ran on sand and completed each marathon within six hours. Despite the physical toll, including sleep deprivation and uncomfortable living conditions in the desert camps, he remained focused on the cause, emphasizing that his temporary struggle was nothing compared to the permanent difficulties faced by the people benefiting from the charity.
The harsh realities of desert life, including extreme heat, lack of comfort, and basic living conditions, tested his resolve, but he used the thought of those he was helping as motivation to keep going.
Matthews’s journey from a city trader with a reality TV background to a record-breaking endurance athlete is marked by a significant personal transformation. He candidly discussed his past struggles with alcohol, revealing that at the height of his drinking, he was warned by a therapist that he could die if he continued on that path.
After four years of complete sobriety, he was able to re-evaluate his relationship with alcohol and now only drinks occasionally, finding little desire to do so. This transformation, driven by discipline and action, has fueled his passion for challenging himself and inspiring others to make positive changes in their lives.
As he looks forward to returning home, Matthews is eager to reunite with his wife, Irish presenter Vogue Williams, and their three children. Beyond the physical and mental demands of his desert marathons, he is enthusiastic about continuing his efforts to promote running and help young people improve their lives through physical activity.
Matthews believes that the experience has shown him that significant change is possible, even in the face of difficult circumstances, and he is committed to using his platform to inspire and support others in their personal journeys.
Matthews’s record-breaking achievement is not just a testament to his physical endurance but also a symbol of his personal growth and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
