'Marathon Man UK' Rob Young's next incredible challenge

Beginning 16th January, Rob will run 3,080 miles as he takes part in 140 official marathons spanning from Los Angeles across to Virginia - all to inspire and raise money for disadvantaged children.

As the only European runner in a core team of 12 international athletes, Rob’s epic American journey will take four and a half months and will see him run the span of 12 states. The truly remarkable challenge will finish in Washington DC with a race to the White House, where the team hope to meet with the First Lady herself.

During Race Across USA, Rob will fly back to the UK just in time for the London Marathon, where he is set to break the world record for the most marathons run in one year – a jaw-dropping total of 367.

As he stands at the starting line for Race Across USA, Rob will have already run over 7,350 miles as part of his mission. This equates to over 267 marathons (including 28 ultra marathons) in 251 days of running around the UK – an astonishing victory in human endeavour and a record in its own right.

By the end of Rob’s challenge he will have run the equivalent distance of London to Sydney in just one year, a staggering achievement at over 10,000 miles.

Since the start of his challenge eight months ago, Rob has touched many people’s lives with his positivity and commitment to overcome the odds.

His goals are clear: to inspire people, break world records and raise funds for the UK-based children’s charities that are close to his heart - Dreams Come True, NSPCC and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Donations can be made via www.marathonmanuk.com

From the outset, Rob has had a top team of marathon, triathlon and Olympic medical experts looking after him. All have found Rob’s powers of recovery to be astonishing and his Medical Director Dr Courtney Kipps has termed Rob 'a person of scientific interest'.

Race Across USA sets out with the goal of inspiring a healthier generation and to tackle the issue of childhood obesity. As the core team run the width of the States, they will aim to sign up as many schools as possible to the 100 Mile Club – an organisation that encourages school children to be active and run, jog, or walk 100 miles in a year.

Schools around the world are also given the opportunity to virtually participate via the Scottish-based organisation www.worldwalking.org