A Wilmington man is preparing to take on the Great World Race, a challenge that requires participants to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
Adam Shilling, who has been running for 15 years and has completed 32 marathons, said the event will test both physical endurance and recovery.
"Basically, you arrive at the place, you do your marathon, you have a few hours to recover, then you get back in the plane and fly to the next place. You have to try and, you know," Shilling said.
The race itinerary begins in Antarctica and continues through South Africa, Australia, Dubai, Spain, Brazil, and ends in Miami.
When asked how he trains for such an event, Shilling said pacing is critical.
"I think that's the biggest issue a lot of people do, is they go off on their runs, and they run too hard, and the mantra is you gotta run for tomorrow. So, you know, it's running a lot of miles, but running easy miles so that you can," he said.
The challenge will require participants to cover 183 miles in seven days.
Shilling said one of his biggest concerns is getting enough rest while traveling between races.
When describing the challenge to others, he acknowledged the reaction it often receives.
When asked if people think he is crazy for attempting seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, Shilling replied, "Right, and they're not wrong. It is crazy."
Still, he said completing the event is motivation enough.
"It's a challenge in just completing that and saying, hey, you know, I did that," Shilling said.
The Great World Race is scheduled for January 2027.