David Christof: I Like Running

Throughout our interview, Christof strikes me as very calm. He does not have the demeanour of someone about to embark on such a feat of physical and mental endurance. He appeared unruffled, relaxed, and measured. What is his diet? Just healthy, nothing extreme. I don’t love pasta. How much training is he doing: Nothing crazy. What does he eat during an ultra marathon? Maybe some energy gels. Or soup and a sandwich. This is all bizarrely normal for someone who has run for 100 miles in less than 24 hours. Christof does not like to overcomplicate things. I know from experience that running even a half-marathon can be enough to require some serious lifestyle changes and effort and I find this strictly straightforward approach impressive and refreshing.

With around two months left to go, Christof is currently focusing more on the logistics: planning and re-planning his 1266 km route; discussing co-operation with his main sponsor, the German School in Prague; finding people ‘of goodwill’ along the route who will let him stay the night; working out how to cross the Channel from Calais when most ferries no longer allow foot passengers. There’s a lot to do, although even this he tries to keep simple. “From Prague, just go West,” he says with a smile.

Blue Planet Network aims to raise money and awareness for the safe drinking water cause across the world, and it is this that drives Christof. “It is unacceptable to me that so many people do not have access to safe drinking water”. 6,000 people are estimated to die each day due to a lack of access to safe drinking water. It’s hard to comprehend clearly what that means. Each week that amounts to over 40,000 people – enough to fill a football stadium. Every year, 2.2 million people die due to a lack of safe water, a basic human requirement, and something that I know I take completely for granted.

By running from Prague to London, completely unsupported by money-sapping drivers, physios, caterers, or pacers, Christof hopes to raise enough money to provide safe drinking water for 333 people, for life (based on the estimate that $30 provides water for 1 person for life – Christof’s total fundraising target is $9990). He also aims to raise awareness of the issues. By running by himself he hopes to spread the work of Blue Planet Network’s good work. He will pass through schools linked to the German School in Prague to tell the next generation of children about people less fortunate than themselves. He will stop to walk with and talk to the members of the public that he passes, to explain why he is running and how they can help. As he talks me through his belief in the ‘goodwill’ of humankind, and his charity mission, Christof’s enthusiasm for the cause is genuine and infectious – Blue Planet Network has found an excellent ambassador in him.