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A local runner and tech entrepreneur is gearing up to set the world record for the fastest marathon while DJing to raise money for a cancer charity, after losing his father to the disease a decade ago.
Gus Fraser is aiming to set the record for the fastest marathon while mixing music next month at the TCS London Marathon on 21 April — a challenge he describes as "ridiculous".
He hopes to raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK, a cause he has been supporting for the past 10 years through various physical endurance events and fundraisers after losing his father to pancreatic cancer a decade ago.
After seeing the battles of loved ones with the disease since his father's death, he said he felt the need to do something about it.
Video: Mr Fraser talks about the inspiration behind the record attempt.
However, Mr Fraser – who is the tech entrepreneur behind data privacy app 'Revoke' – said he wanted to do "something different" this year to raise as much money as he could for the clinical trials unit in Southampton, saying "A regular marathon wouldn't be enough."
He said: "More recently, cancer struck close to home again, affecting one of my young son's best friends, who has bravely been battling Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for over a year.
"Another young friend was recently lucky to survive an 11-hour surgery, resulting in the removal of her pelvic tumour, colon, part of her liver, her spleen, and a total hysterectomy and ileostomy.
"I have personally visited the CRUK clinical trials unit in Southampton and have seen how every penny raised helps ground-breaking research and treatments, offering real hope to patients."
I'm aiming to raise £100,000 for @cr_uk by setting the @GWR World Record for Fastest Marathon whilst DJing at the @LondonMarathon in April ???? This is my setup - thank you @numark @minirigs ????
— Gus Fraser (@gusfraser) March 6, 2024
Find out why and maybe consider a donation at https://t.co/rpQIwbvKyv#Cancer pic.twitter.com/ED20Kkxpaq
As he prepares for the marathon, Mr Fraser is focusing on logistical details of things; how to carry the decks, how to power them, and how to record the set on video, as required by Guinness World Records.
Mr Fraser is a strategic Artificial Intelligence consultant for the consulting firm Elixirr. He previously founded tech company Revoke, launching a number of privacy and security apps including “Revoke” in 2020 and "BLOKK" in 2022.
To donate to Mr Fraser's World Record attempt, click HERE.
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