TWO former scouts from Dartford are nearly half-way through their challenge to run seven marathons across seven countries in seven days.
Malcolm, 33, and Alex, 28, Medcalf from the 5th Dartford Scouts took on the 777 challenge to raise £350,000 for a new scout hall in the town.
So far, they have completed marathons in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and on today (October 19) are tackling 26 miles in Vienna, Austria.
The brothers, who grew up in the scout group, have undertaken eight months of gruelling training to prepare for the marathons, at times running 70 miles a week.
Speaking before the first marathon on Monday, RAF officer Malcolm, who now lives in Marham, said: “I’m definitely apprehensive.
“The first five marathons will be the most difficult as there will only be the two of us running, with support crew cycling behind us.
“But for the last two, some of the scouts and cubs from Dartford will be coming out to support us by running relay with us.”
Formed in 1916, the 5th Dartford Scouts provides activities for around 250 youngsters a week aged between 6 and 18.
Parents and youngsters from the scout group hand-built their current hall in West Hill in 1958, but it is slowly starting to subside.
The group therefore needs to find £350,000 to fund a new one, which will include disabled facilities and indoor climbing facilities So far, £43,000 has been raised through sponsorships for the 777 challenge, race nights, cake sales, sponsored walks and bike rides.
Dartford Council has also pledged an additional £10,000 to the new hall fund.
Group scout leader, Paul Boreham said: “We will carry on fundraising until we meet our target.
“I think it’s great past members come back and support us.
“The way the scouts are responding to Alex and Malcolm who were in their shoes a few years ago is inspirational.”
For more information on the scout’s fundraising activities, go to 5thdartfordscouts.org.uk
Where will the brothers be running?
October 17: Prague Marathon, Czech Republic
October 18: Bratislava Marathon, Slovakia
October 19: Vienna Marathon, Austria
October 20: Nuremberg Marathon, Germany
October 21: Luxembourg Marathon
October 22: Gravelines Marathon, France
October 23: London to Dartford Marathon, UK
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