Lucia Rowe to run ‘toughest race in the world’ for Reuben’s Retreat
A-Rosa River Cruises managing director Lucia Rowe has signed up to participate in the “toughest footrace in the world” in aid of Reuben’s Retreat
As she approaches her 50th birthday, Rowe will take on the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert this April for the children’s charity.
The race covers approximately 250km over six stages, which is the equivalent of running a marathon every day for seven days in the heat of the desert.
Each night, after a day running through sand, dunes, rocks and potential sandstorms, the participants will camp under the stars ready to begin again the next day.
Rowe has been a leading fundraiser figure in the travel industry for several years, taking part in more than 20 marathons for travel related charities, under the guidance of marathon coach, Rory Coleman.
Most recently she put together a travel team to run the London Marathon in 2023 and then another group of travel leaders to take part in a 100km ultra marathon last year for Reuben’s Retreat.
Rowe, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia during Covid, said: “Five years ago I had no idea what the future held for me and if I’d see my next birthday, but here I am about to turn 50 and taking on my most challenging race to date.
“I was lucky enough to recover and very soon after my treatment, I began running again, quickly progressing to half and full marathons. Since then, I’ve done all sorts of races for charity, including various ultra marathons, but the Marathon des Sables is like nothing I’ve ever done before.
“When things get tough, I know that focusing on the fact that I am doing this to raise the crucial funding needed to complete the build of the final part of Reuben’s Retreat will drive me forward.
“For me, I am the lucky one. I’m currently well and the love and support of my friends and family has got me here today. This is what drives me to help others, do my bit and get involved.”
You can visit Rowe’s Just Giving page here.
