BBC News | UK | Blind man to run across China

A man from Derbyshire is to become the first blind contestant in a running race retracing the old Silk Route across China.

Miles Hilton-Barber, from Duffield has already climbed some of the world's highest mountains and attempted to reach the South Pole.

He will be accompanied on this latest expedition by his son David, who acts as his guide.

The trip involves running 200km through the Himalayas, crossing the Gobi Desert and following the Yangtse River.

"The tough part is that it's half a marathon a day for 11 days non stop.

Finish

He will be the first blind contestant

"There are big changes in altitude and in temperature - tough going for us both," said Mr Hilton-Barber.

His son David said: "We get to see a totally different culture and get to see a large part of China."

The two have been training near their home in Derbyshire.

The race takes place in August.

Last year they had to abandon an attempt to walk to the South Pole because of frost bite.

They have successfully climbed Africa's highest mountain Kilimanjaro and have run across part of the Sahara Desert.


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