Pawtucket man training for World Marathon Challenge

By: Melissa Randall

Email: mrandall@abc6.com

Twitter: @MRandallABC6

At 48 years old Nick Wishart is not slowing down. Instead he’s picking up the pace and training to do something pretty unbelievable.

“The whole idea is 7 marathons. On 7 continents. Inside of 7 days,” he explained.

It’s called the ‘World Marathon Challenge’. Competitors travel around the globe for a once in a lifetime race. It starts in Antarctica before making stops in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and eventually ending in Miami, Florida.

Wishart has been runner most of his life and has completed 3 Boston Marathons. But this is going to be a totally unique experience. For this event he’s taking a different approach to getting in shape. It includes almost daily workouts at Industrial Revolution Cross Fit.

“Some people think oh you should just run and you should run 6 days a week and do long mileage. I think I can get through this doing it a little differently. I just don’t want to get hurt. If I go there and I’m injured already forget about it. The whole thing will be a bust,” said Wishart.

Wishart is taking on the adventure while raising money for charity, including The March of Dimes. Tiny miracles working to get strong in the NICU, where his daughter spent the first days of her life, serve as his inspiration.

“It means the world to us to be able to help another baby, or donate enough to help another baby. Some mommies and daddies have their babies in there for 5–6 months. Our baby, Cole, was only in there for like a month,” he said.

Only 15 Americans have ever crossed the final finish line. Wishart hopes to be the first Rhode Islander to accomplish the grueling feat. He knows it won’t be easy, but is excited to push his limits to the extreme.

“I’m really trying to enjoy not just when we go but these 8 or 9 months. The journey to get there— I’m really trying to turn that into part of the story,” said Wishart.

In addition to March of Dimes, Wishart will also raise money for the Rhode Island SPCA and the Rhode Island Food Bank.

He is also accepting donations to help pay for the trip, which costs about $40,000 per person for the private charter plane and accommodations.

For more information you can visit his website: www.nickwmc.com

(C) WLNE-TV 2017