AN ex-Royal Navy physical training instructor is looking to recruit ordinary members of the community for an extreme challenge – a 150-mile race across the Gobi Desert. Keith Flood, of Broadwater Crescent in Stevenage, is encouraging people to consider jo

AN ex-Royal Navy physical training instructor is looking to recruit ordinary members of the community for an extreme challenge - a 150-mile race across the Gobi Desert.

Keith Flood, of Broadwater Crescent in Stevenage, is encouraging people to consider joining him in completing six marathons in six days in temperatures exceeding 120�F.

He will be holding a presentation at Marriotts School in Stevenage at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 10, to explain all about the event, including what to expect and what equipment you will need.

Mr Flood, 52, said: "Anybody who is interested, come along to the presentation. I can assess you and have a chat with you."

Mr Flood first took up running in 2003 and has since taken part in several extreme marathons, including the Marathon Des Sables twice - a 151-mile race across the Sahara Desert - and the 6633 Yukon Ultra Marathon - a 352-mile race across the Arctic.

The Gobi Desert challenge will begin on July 22, 2011, and about six people have already expressed an interest in taking part.

Mr Flood said: "The Gobi Desert challenge is not impossible for the average person. I have people who can advise on training and nutrition. Depending on their level of fitness, we will start very slowly and we have two years to get ready for the event."

Mr Flood intends to raise money for the Stevenage-based charity Developing Counselling in Schools and the Community, but participants are free to raise money for a charity of their choice.

His own personal target is to raise �16,200, to bring his fundraising total from over the years to �100,000. He has so far raised �2,000.

Anyone interested in taking part in this extreme event, call Mr Flood on 07786126191 or attend the presentation at Marriotts School.