Crazy Chesterfield father-son duo to tackle Mongolia lake '˜ultramarathon' in -40°C cold

Wolves and -40°C temperatures are just some of the hazards an intrepid father-son duo from Chesterfield could encounter when they tackle an '˜ultramarathon' across a frozen lake in Outer Mongolia.
Mark and Daniel Jones.Mark and Daniel Jones.
Mark and Daniel Jones.

Daniel Jones, 36, is one of 33 thrill-seekers set to dash 100 miles across Lake Khovsgol as part of once-in-a-lifetime event ‘Rat Race Mongol 100’ under the watchful gaze of dad Mark on main support team.

Both from military backgrounds, Daniel and Mark are no strangers to physical challenges- but will still have their work cut out for them as they make their way through the coldest place on Earth outside of Antarctica.

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The pair are hoping to raise £8,000 for Children in Need through the once-in-a-lifetiem opportunity, which takes place over four days in March 2019.

Mark 58, said: “During his time in the military Daniel has seen some horrible things happen to children, so the charity is very close to his heart and will spur him on I think.

“He has always been one to turn his hand to anything, but when he told me about Mongol 100 and said ‘I really fancy this’ all I could do was reply- are you insane?

“I have always followed him on these kinds of ventures though and it wasn’t long before I wanted to get involved, too.

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“When I found out you could apply to volunteer on the support team I went for it. I really wanted to support him.

“I am one of just six people selected from the 600 or so who applied. I’m excited, but the environment is going to be absolutely killer.

“Daniel has has to undergo some intense training and we will have to monitor him and the other participants closely.

“For example, Daniel must work to keep his heart rate low. If he doesn’t and he sweats too much, the sweat might freeze and it could kill him. That’s one of the many dangers.

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“Cracks can appear in the ice and the area is notorious for wolves. It’s quite an adventure.”

All being well, the daring duo will enjoy all the sights of the Khovsgol Ice Festival as well as a slap-up reindeer feast when they cross the finish line at the southern end of the lake, before heading back to the UK.

Daniel and Mark are curretly looking for local companies to sponsor an expedition kit that will allow them to take high-quality photos and footage of the race. Anyone interested can email: [email protected]

To donate visit the JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danieljonesmongol100.

For more information on the race visit: https://ratracebucketlist.com/mongol100.