AKIPRESS.COM - The day is finally here for Bonhill (UK) running fanatic Maurice Donohue as he sets off on his once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mongolia to take on the Ice Marathon challenge, said Daily Record.

The 52-year-old is no stranger to tough running challenges, having completed 104 half marathons in 104 days last year in aid of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

He will be taking part in the Genghis Khan Ice Marathon later this week – which will see him tackle the mammoth distance in temperatures that could reach a bone-chilling minus 40 degrees.

Maurice will join a group of adventurers for the expedition across the frozen and heavily wolf-populated area of the Tuul Gol river before finishing up.

Their efforts in the extreme conditions will help raise vital funds for SAMH and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Maurice says he’s as ready as he will ever be for the extreme challenge he faces.

Maurice has now finished his training, which involved running on ice and spending time in freezing temperatures, to ensure his body will be able to withstand the arctic temperatures and is ready to take on the freezing weather.