About me

My name is Rob McWilliam. I’m a retired civil servant, married with three adult sons.  I live on an island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada.

To date, I have run 126 marathons and ultramarathons on 6 continents (like many I am waiting impatiently for a space on ship for Antarctica Marathon).

While I enjoy the challenge of completing a tough event (and I generally go looking for races that offer a significant physical challenge), I would like to use my interest in long distance running for something more.

In recent years I also became involved in organizing marathons and thought that I was making a contribution back to my sport, but still felt I could do more.

I was very moved by  Three Cups of Tea and later Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson, and more recently Conor Grennan’s Little Princes about the children of Nepal. When I saw that the Everest Marathon would give me an opportunity to participate in a huge physical challenge while at the same time doing something positive for the people of Nepal it seemed too good to pass up.

When I got involved in fund raising for Everest Marathon Fund I noticed that one of the groups that they support is a Canadian based charity, Nepal School Projects. My mother was a talented and dedicated teacher. Even after she retired she spent many years providing personal tuitoring for children with learning problems. My father-in-law was also a dedicated teacher. He would spend time each summer preparing marine life samples for his science classes. So helping to support Nepal School Projects is my way of acknowledging their passion for education.

This blog combines a bit of it all -from  my experiences and tips on running and training for marathons and ultras, to stories and information about Nepal and the situation facing children’s education there, to a place where you can make a difference by donating to Nepal School Projects.

I hope you enjoy.

-Rob