**Press release**

Australian Triathlon representative hardening up for the toughest footrace on earth

24 February 2011 » Canberra local Triathlete & Barista; Tim Calver will be taking part in Morocco’s Marathon des Sables on April 3rd 2011. He is running 245km to raise money for CanTeen.

Trading in Lycra and a bike helmet for a legionnaire’s cap, backpack and a snake bite kit, Tim has been training for 6 months for this massive and grueling event. He has also been working hard to raise sponsorship funding for a great cause.

'After working as a Ward Clerk in the Oncology Unit of St Vincent’s Hospital and seeing young adults facing the challenge of cancer, more often than not with a smile, made me want to help in whatever way I could. Running for CanTeen is my chance help.'

Friday, 25th February 2011 6:20pm » Tim will compete in the Camp Quality Ultimate Verti-Cool Challenge @ Black Mountain. Tim is using it as a “training run” from the Botanic Gardens to the top of Telstra Tower…with his 10kg Race Pack!

Follow Tim’s progress, find about his upcoming fundraising events or sponsor his charity effort at www.desertultrarun.com

About the Marathon des Sables

Covering 245km over 7 days, Marathon des Sables is equivalent to 5.5 regular marathons. Competitors must carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

Competitors have to carry and prepare their own food throughout the race as no shops will be found enroute. They will experience chilly nights (around 0°C) and midday temperatures ranging from 40°- 52°C whilst running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground and over the highest sand dunes in Morocco.

Finishing the race requires a combination of mental stamina, physical fitness and thoughtful planning for both equipment and nutrition.

About Tim Calver

Tim has been a high level athlete all of his adult life. Representing Australia at multiple World Triathlon Championships, he also competed at National level as a Rower prior to Triathlon – he is no stranger to long training hours and restrictive diets.

He is also a professional Barista who makes a mean coffee, with a list of clientele who follow him wherever he plies his craft as a testimony.

With a long list of achievements, Marathon des Sables provides Tim with the ultimate test in the name of a fantastic charity.

For further information about this story, please contact:

Contact: Tim Calver
Email: desertultrarun@gmail.com
Mobile: 0412 266 617
Website: www.desertultrarun.com