Man Attempts to Become First in World to Complete Ultimate Global Challenge: Climb Highest Seven Summits, Ski to Both Poles and Run Across Four Deserts.

16 August 2012
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Len Stanmore Uses Last Desert Race to Raise Money for Orphans around the World

Washington, D.C. – Len Stanmore has announced he will run across The Last Desert in Antarctica in November 2012. When he completes the race, he will become the first person in history to climb the highest peaks on seven continents, ski to both the North and South poles and run across the four major deserts. This race, the fourth and final race of The 4 Deserts series, is a grueling 250 km, selfsupported race across Antarctica. Stanmore will use this history making run as a fundraiser for Trekking for Kids, a socially-conscious trekking organization that benefits orphans around the world.

“I started climbing in my late forties because of a friend’s challenge,” said Stanmore. “Completing the Last Desert Race at 60 is a great personal accomplishment, made even better because I can use this race to help children in orphanages who face bigger challenges than I can imagine.”

After building several successful telecommunications businesses, Stanmore was 49 years old, overweight and out of shape. A friend challenged him to change, causing Stanmore to decide to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2001. This proved to be a life changing experience for him as he conquered his fear of heights and began his extraordinary attempt of the ultimate global challenge. The Last Desert will mark his final expedition as part of that challenge. In 12 years, he will have climbed each continent’s highest mountain, including Everest, skied to both poles and run through four deserts.

“It’s been an incredible experience and adventure,” said Stanmore. “I’m looking forward to finishing this challenge and, now, charge someone else to take up this ultimate global challenge. I did it in 12 years and raised thousands of dollars for people in need. I hope the next person beats both my time and my dollars raised.”

Stanmore was captivated by the plight of orphans he met during his expeditions and wanted to find a way to help. He was introduced to Trekking for Kids in 2009 during a tour of an orphanage in Quito, Ecuador. He decided to use his trek to the South Pole as a way to raise funds and awareness for Trekking for Kids. Stanmore will again raise money for Trekking for Kids as he makes his historic race across the Last Desert this November.

“Len started his incredible global explorations at an age when most people are thinking of slowing down,” said Cindy Steuart, executive director of Trekking for Kids. “Len exemplifies how ‘it’s never too late,’ which is a great message for the kids with whom we work. We’re honored that he continues to raise money for our efforts to make a difference in children’s lives.”

Stanmore will begin his Last Desert run on November 19, 2012. Donations in honor of Stanmore’s incredible effort can be made by going to www.trekkingforkids.org. Additional information about The 4 Deserts Series can be found at www.4deserts.com.

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