Flying Flynn's big dream

Alex Flynn is not a new name at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon. The 38-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's, was here last year as part of a mission to run 10 million metres to raise funds for Parkinson's disease. It was a special moment for the British runner when he reached the one million mark in Dubai last year. He now wishes to achieve the 10 million target in Dubai. "Passing the one million mark was an incredible moment for me and the welcome that I have received previously from everybody in Dubai, means that Dubai is a special place for me. "Should events correspond with crossing the 10 million metre point in Dubai that would be great," said Flynn, who has registered himself for the 10k run this year. Difficult challenge Flynn, who is raising £1 million (Dh5.73 million) for Parkinson's research, has now completed 2,7141,804 metres running in different races across the world, including the Thames Trot50, Brighton Marathon and Trans-Europe. "It has certainly been quite a challenge and an adventure too. All the races and events that I have been involved in so far have been fantastic. "There are several in particular which stand out. The first being the Dubai Marathon in 2011 where I passed the one million metre mark. It is an exceptionally fun event to run firstly because of the incredible landmark buildings that the runners pass but also the support from the fantastic people of Dubai who turn up to support the runners. I was made to feel very much at home in Dubai last year," added Flynn, who hopes to achieve the target by 2014. "This will depend completely upon the races and events that I undertake between now and then. One event in particular may change the timing of completion for my 10MillionMetres challenge and in this is my planned 3,200 mile (approximately 5,120km) crossing of the United States in 24 days using five different disciplines (cycle, run, row/kayak, and swim). "This will be an epic challenge. It's hard and extremely tough for somebody without Parkinson's to achieve such a goal, but I will be battling the effects of Parkinson's on my body every metre of the way. However, it is still in the planning stage as I have yet to secure the finances." Flynn felt fitness was one of the key issues he had to keep a constant focus on every time. "Fitness is key for me. Not only for my races but also as a way to fight Parkinson's disease. The objective is to remain toned but without huge bulk which would inhibit speed and endurance." His future races May 1: Trans USA 3,200 miles (Ultra long distance run, cycle mixed) November 15: Athens Classic Marathon December 1: Toray Shanghai International Marathon