York plumber ’s 350-mile sled challenge across Arctic Circle

Dean Clifford takes part in Ultra Marathon in northern Canada

10:21am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

Dean Clifford, of Tang Hall, gets in some practice for the 3366 Ultra Marathon

IF youve been shivering during Yorks recent cold snap, spare a thought for Dean Clifford.

The York plumber is set to brave temperatures as low as minus 40C when he sets off on a punishing 350-mile race across the Arctic Circle next week.

Dean, 40, of Tang Hall, will have to complete about 45 miles a day, pulling provisions such as food, cooking items, clothing, sleeping kit and other safety gear on a sledge, during the eight-day 3366 Ultra Marathon in northern Canada.

He says he is at risk both of frostbite and hallucinations in the race, which has only been completed by seven people in the last five years.

My family think Im mad, said Dean, who is married to Sarah and has a daughter Ebony, 17, and a son, Harvey, eight.

Race organisers say the race can quite genuinely claim to be the toughest, coldest and windiest extreme ultra marathon on the planet, adding: This race is only for big boys and girls unless youre mad.

But Mr Clifford, who has been treated for cancer diagnosed in 2010, already has some experience of crazy challenges in extreme temperatures.

See more here:
York plumber ’s 350-mile sled challenge across Arctic Circle