Boxercise trainer conquers 'Race of No Return'

Personal trainer, Gary Johnson, who runs Haileybury’s boxercise classes and trains some of the school’s sports stars, has come second in the Gobi March, a 158-mile, six-day race across the Gobi Desert.

Members of the boxercise classes were so determined to support Gary in his quest that they teamed up to run 230 miles last week across a specially set up track in the school grounds. Gary and the pupils all agreed to use the event to raise money for one of Haileybury’s chosen charities, The Attlee Foundation, set up in memory of former Prime Minister and Old Haileyburian, Clement Attlee.

The Gobi March (www.racingtheplanet.com) is billed as one of the hottest races in the world. Gary got off to a good start on April 24 by coming in second in Stage 1, third in Stage 2 and then going on to win Stage 3. Two more second places meant he finished overall second after a Russian athlete.

This is the first time he has competed in such an event, although he has run the London, Paris and New York marathons.