01.02.2006
A runner from Brighton has been training inside the university's environmental chamber at temperatures of -10C to prepare for the North Pole marathon.
Kate Charles (pictured right), who is one of the first British women to have completed a marathon on all seven continents, is running in the chamber in order to acclimatise her body to the conditions.
Craig Wakefield, an MSc Sport Science at the university, is monitoring her progress along with a team of BSc students, who are assessing her level of fitness and helping her to prepare for the unpredictability of her grueling challenge.
Dr Neil Maxwell, programme leader for sport and exercise is also overseeing Kate's training schedule and advising on how much liquid to take on board and clothing to wear for the race.
Kate said: "It's been fantastic working with Neil and the students, they have really supported me in preparing for the marathon and the climate conditions that I will face. They have also given me excellent advice on training to ensure that I increase my fitness levels incrementally."
She is running the marathon in aid of Demelza House, a residential children's hospice based near Sittingbourne, in Kent.
For more information go to www.katecharleschallenge.com
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
