Have you ever run a marathon? How about 100k?
In 2013, at the age of 50 years old, Audrey McIntosh took on both within 48 hours and in the sub-zero temperatures of the Antarctic. But this was just the beginning of Audrey’s adventure as she challenged herself to run a 100k in each of the most unique climates the seven continents have to offer. Here, Audrey talks about her incredible journey:
“I am an ordinary person. I’m a mum and wife and I work full-time. Running is my passion and I have always loved a challenge. I am also passionate about supporting charities and often use my running to fundraise.
When I decided to enter the Antarctic Ice Marathon and Antarctic 100k in 2013 to mark my 50th birthday it was a great opportunity to fundraise. At the time my family were experiencing the impact of dementia first hand through my uncle and I decided I would use the race to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. Before I knew it, I was in the Antarctic. Both races went well, and I was the first Scot and only the 3rd woman to complete this double feat.
This inspired me to continue to take on extreme running challenges to raise more funds. In 2017, I resolved to complete a 100k ultramarathon on each of the remaining six continents and to make each one as extreme, hard, and as challenging as I could. This became an odyssey that would take me to an incredible variety of clients and environments including races in the North Pole, the Atacama Desert, The Namibian Desert, and a frozen steppe in Mongolia.
In June 2022, I completed my final race making me (to my knowledge) the first person to run an extreme 100k ultra-marathon on all seven continents. In 2017, I resolved to complete a 100k ultramarathon on each of the remaining six continents and to make each one as extreme, hard, and as challenging as I could.
This journey has been at times sad and poignant. My uncle passed in 2018 aged 73. I’ve heard many stories from people and families affected by dementia. I’ve also learned a lot about how dementia is regarded in other countries. It has been important along the journey to remember why I have done it and to honour the memory of loved ones. It has also been uplifting knowing and seeing the work that Alzheimer Scotland does and knowing that I have helped to fund projects. I am proud that the funds I have raised have made such a difference in the community."
