My name is Kevin Webber, just an ordinary guy and a slow plodder when it comes to running. We all face personal challenges in life but mine got a whole lot more challenging when aged just 49, I was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer and given as little as 2 years to live. After running 2 marathons on chemo I decided that I would do all I could to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer by taking on as many running challenges as I could afford and manage.

Having run a few multi day ultras I came across GlobalLimits by chance on an advertising banner. The race was in Albania and I liked the off beaten track sound of it. 

I was not disappointed about any aspect of the experience. I really liked the fact that there were only about 60 runners and the true international diversity of the field. I had done races before with 100s of runners with one dominant country which meant that I really only spoke to a handful of others so this was refreshing. I also loved the variety of overnight camps from old schools, castles, monasteries and home stays.

I enjoyed the race so much that 4 months later I was racing in Cambodia and if I had any doubts about the Albania experience being a one off they were soon put to bed as Cambodia was even better in every aspect. the trails, the temples the runners, crew and ordinary people I met along the way with another outstanding finish line, this time in front of the iconic Angkor Wat Temple.

The following year, still alive by some miracle, I was disappointed that I could not race in Bhutan as I had already committed to another event however when I got the opportunity to run the first GlobalLimits São Tomé I jumped at the chance. By now I was getting to know a few of the regular runners but one of the great things about the series is that there is never a clique no matter how fast/slow or what country or experience you have. this time the finish was on the equator, that in itself was worth the money.

I had of course entered Bhutan for the same year to complete the set and get the coveted Heritage Award but almost as soon as we got off the plane home covid had the world in lockdown. Stefan was fair with everyone refunding deposits paid with no questions asked.

By now I had already lived 5 years since my 2 year prognosis and to me the reality of covid seemed that I would never race in Bhutan or anywhere else as my doctors kept on reminding me how I was on borrowed time. Most men I had got to know in my situation had died and with Bhutan remaining "closed" until 2023 I had lost all hope of ever putting my foot on the start line there. Lockdown did inspire me to write a book "Dead Man Running" to both share my story and hopefully inspire others to never waste a day or turn down an opportunity.

When I knew Bhutan was "back on" i paid my money but had little hope of being well enough, every monthly blood test had me convinced it would be the end but despite my April one not being the best my doctor was happy to sign off the medical form and I was off to Bhutan, the last race in my to do list.

Every multi day race has its tough days but the mountains in Bhutan on day 2 and 3 were a different level of challenge. That however makes it all the better when you achieve the finish each day. For those people who witnessed me crossing the final finish line in tears probably wondered why a 58 year old man was so emotional but you see, I never thought I would even be alive in 2023 , over 8 years into a short prognosis let alone finishing the most amazing series of races imaginable. GlobalLimits had taken me to countries I would never had gone to, met people who have in many cases become friends, helped me prove to myself and others what can be possible if you want it enough no matter what and helped me raise over £1 million pounds for Prostate Cancer UK giving me a sense of personal purpose and worth.

I literally have hundreds of medals for races I have finished having now run over 15,000 miles since I was diagnosed but they all are in a box in my loft however the 4 finishers trophies and Heritage Award stand proudly on display in my living room as each one reminds me of good times and a life well lived in adversity.

Who knows what more I have in me but right now I can tell you I am eyeing up a return trip to my favourite race of all time in Cambodia with GlobalLimits, maybe I will see you there?