There I was feeling all sorry for myself, over the additional exercise I’m looking at to lose the extra two kilos I put on over Christmas - which seem to have rendered my entire wardrobe useless - when an email came through alerting me to Mark Philpott’s mission to complete the 84km adidas Sundown Marathon!

Mark, head of the Humaneity Foundation - a Singapore-based global organisation which focuses on philanthropy and humanitarian-related activities - is running what must be the breadth of Singapore and back, to raise funds for the Aknuwat Primary School in Kampong Thom, Cambodia. Volunteers from Australia, the USA, Singapore and the UK - including teachers, engineers and environmental specialists - have been working hard to develop the school’s curriculum and build classrooms and waste and water management systems. To date, there are refurblished classrooms, English classes and a vegetable garden and a new library and medical clinic are also being constructed. Sponsor a child’s schooling for one year for  US$300, or sponsor Mark as he runs the race of a lifetime.

The Ultramarathon starts and ends at Changi Exhibition Centre, with the start time scheduled for 6pm on May 29 - ensuring an all-night night race. There’s also a 10km, half-marathon and full-marathon, with the latter starting at 11:59pm. Read all about Mark’s training efforts and motivation at his blogspot and the efforts of his non-profit organisation at Humaneity Magazine - what a champion!