Pete Benson to Run Seven Marathons in Seven Days
The 67-year-old athlete plans to complete the Great World Race challenge starting on November 12, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Running
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Beginning on November 12, 2026, 67-year-old Pete Benson will take on the Great World Race, an endurance event spanning seven continents in seven days. The runner, who splits time between Grand Manan and Nashville, will travel by private jet between race stops.
Why it matters
Benson aims to provide extra purpose to his athletic endeavor by raising funds for a non-profit organization that finances clean water projects. His wife originally encouraged him to pursue the physical challenge.
Benson trains by running over 30 kilometres daily, equivalent to roughly 20 miles. The race features seven marathons, including a 42-kilometre run in Antarctica.
The players
Pete Benson
A 67-year-old runner who has completed major marathons in cities including Boston, Tokyo, and London.
The details
The race route includes stops in Cape Town, Antarctica, Perth, Singapore, Algarve, Cartagena, and Miami. To prepare, Benson incorporates strength training, stretching, and biking alongside his daily mileage.
Timeline
Benson began running as a hobby in 2019.
The Great World Race begins in Cape Town on November 12, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Benson follows in the footsteps of endurance athletes seeking to complete events sanctioned by the Seven Continents Marathon Club. His participation highlights a growing trend of high-stakes, multi-continent endurance challenges for amateur runners.
Benson will face the logistics of running seven consecutive marathons while navigating rapid climate shifts between locations like Antarctica and Miami. His preparation regime of 30 kilometres daily serves as a benchmark for the volume required to sustain performance throughout the week.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical health into one's late sixties can be achieved through consistent and varied training methods like strength and biking. Linking personal fitness goals to charitable causes can provide significant motivation for those undertaking long-term athletic commitments.
What happens next
The Great World Race officially commences on November 12, 2026, in Cape Town.
Further reading
For more on endurance athletic events, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBC News.
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