University facilities key to Ultra-marathon runner's Amazon success

The University of Wolverhampton is proud to highlight the role its advanced sports facilities played in preparing local ultra-marathon runner James March for his recent gruelling challenge: the 230km (140-mile) Jungle Ultra in the Amazon rainforest of Peru.

James March, from Wolverhampton, along with fellow runner Greg Garner, pushed the limits of human endurance over five days in one of the planet's most demanding environments. To acclimatise to the intense heat and humidity of the rainforest, James rigorously trained using the environmental chamber at the University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus.

This state-of-the-art facility allowed James and Greg to simulate the extreme conditions they would face, providing crucial preparation for a race he described as an unparalleled physical challenge. "The combination of heat, humidity and altitude provides a unique challenge, and it's clear why people consider it one of the toughest physical challenges on the planet," James had stated.

James March commented: "A massive thank you to Dr Ross Cloak and the University for all their help with our preparations. During the race, we saw many people struggling with the conditions — the altitude and humidity were especially challenging. We both felt that the sessions we had done in the environmental chamber at the University really helped us prepare, both physically and mentally, for the challenges we faced. Crossing the finish line and raising the money we did was a fantastic way to end the journey."

March undertakes these extreme events in honour of his mother, Wendy, who lives with multiple sclerosis and has lost significant mobility, serving as a testament to others facing similar challenges.

The University of Wolverhampton is committed to providing cutting-edge resources that support athletes and individuals pushing their boundaries, enabling them to achieve extraordinary feats