On 29-31 August, I will take part in the legendary Mont Blanc Ultra-Trail race "UTMB" and hope to raise a substantial sum for Seeing is Believing "SiB". 

168km in length with nearly 10,000m of vertical climb, the UTMB course starts in Chamonix taking some 2,300 runners through France, Italy and Switzerland as the route crosses at least 10 high mountain cols circling Mont Blanc before finishing in Chamonix. 

The UTMB is widely viewed as the toughest Ultra Race, in part because of the unpredictable weather - heat stroke to snow storms!, its length and the high mountain terrain traversed. 

Competitors are required to complete the course in a maximum of 46 hours (many won't make it), essentially non stop in semi-autonomy. I hope to finish in 35-40 hours, ideally with my legs still attached to my torso. 

PLEASE DONATE.....here's why..

I will match contributions up to USD5,000 and Standard Chartered will match any contributions raised, so any donation you make will be powerful. Eg if you donate USD250, USD1,000 could go to SiB. 

It's taken me two years to qualify for the UTMB, a race I've wanted to attempt for 10 years. My nasty ski accident two years ago increased my determination to have a go. Standard Chartered have generously enabled me to take some unpaid leave to train properly for the 2014 edition of the race. 

Thanks very much for your support.

James