Sam Weale is taking on what is described as one of the hardest triathlons in the world, the Enduroman Arch 2 Arc challenge – running from Marble Arch in London to Dover, swimming the English Channel, then cycling from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He explains why he’s doing the challenge and how he’s been inspired by his friend’s son Will who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
London to Paris – the hard way! Arch 2 Arc triathlon in support of friend’s son
My cousin introduced me to Sam Taylor back in 2022
I needed someone to support me when I swam Lake Windemere and Sam was kind enough to be my paddle support. I met the rest of Sam’s family, including his son Will, and from that moment on, I vowed to do something to help.
Will, who is now 16, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2014 at the age of four. Over the last decade, his family have raised a significant amount for Muscular Dystrophy UK to help fund research into his condition, creating their own events including the Iron Will Triathlon.
After my Lake Windemere swim, Sam and I stayed in touch and became friends. His son Will is such a friendly determined young man, and the whole family inspired me with their tireless efforts to raise funds for the charity.
“I’ve been lucky in my life and seeing everything they do, despite the challenges they face, made me want to do something to help.”
The Enduroman Arch 2 Arc has been on my radar for a long time
But I didn’t think it was achievable until about five years ago. It’s described as one of the hardest triathlons in the world and has only been successfully completed by 60 athletes. It involves running the 87 miles from Marble Arch in London to Dover, swimming the English Channel (at least 21 miles), and cycling 181 miles from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
A lot of people have asked me why I chose this challenge, and it’s a good question! I was never sporty at school and picked up running in my 20s. In some ways it’s a natural progression – I’ve done lots of trail running, competed in multiple triathlons, double extreme triathlons, won a 50-mile mountain Ultra race and swum the longest lake in England. But for someone who is not a natural swimmer, the English Channel will undoubtedly be the toughest physical and mental challenge I have taken on to date.
To prepare, I’ve been really focusing on my swimming
I’ve attended two swim camps in Lanzarote and swum the Bristol Channel, alongside my running and cycling training. During the challenge, I’ll be accompanied by a support team, including a driver, a friend who is running part of the way from London to Dover with me, and my wife and a friend who will be on the support boat.
Running is something I’ve done for a long time, so I feel confident about that part of the challenge. And I think the cycling will be OK providing I remember to stay on the right side of the road in France!
But I know that swimming the English Channel will be extremely challenging, especially as much of it is out of my hands. The shortest distance between the English and French coasts is 21 miles but I may end up swimming much further because of the tides. I don’t even know my exact start date for the challenge as it all depends on sea conditions. I have a ‘swim window’ of 6-10 August, so I’ll be ready to set off from London from 4 August and wait for confirmation that the sea conditions are suitable.
It’s a personal goal to complete this challenge but doing it for Will has given me extra motivation as I know I’m doing it for a good cause and something worthwhile.
“I really want to raise as much as I can so that Muscular Dystrophy UK can continue to fund vital research into Will’s condition.”
I really want to raise as much as I can so that Muscular Dystrophy UK can continue to fund vital research into Will’s condition.
It’s a tough challenge but I have a lot of determination and Will is my inspiration. I’ll keep that with me for the moments when I’m struggling.
Support Sam’s fundraising
By supporting Sam’s efforts, you’ll be contributing to crucial research for individuals like Will living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Inspired by Sam’s story?
There are so many ways you can fundraise for people living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition. No idea is too big or too small.
