AN OXFORD businessman will be running 26 miles over glaciers and Arctic deserts in a bid to raise £10,000 for charity.

David Mott will be running in an Arctic marathon on October 20 and attempting to raise money for Help for Heroes and Cancer Research UK.

The average temperature within the Arctic Circle in October is about -10 C, but last year runners attempting the same feat faced a blistering wind chill of -36C.

Mr Mott, 39, said: “I have always had an adventurous side, and every couple of years I crave a new adventure.

“I was looking for something not too many people have done before, and I discovered the polar marathon.

“It has been really exciting to train for.”

Mr Mott is the co-founder and director of Oxford Capital, a specialist investment company, which has helped start up local businesses including one which breeds and releases infertile male mosquitoes to help stop the spread of diseases spread by pregnant female mosquitoes.

On October 17, Mr Mott will travel to the Kangerlussuaq area of Greenland, a former Nato airbase and one of the most northerly in the world.

He comes from an adventurous family – last year his brother ran seven marathons in six days in the Sahara Desert.

His wife Julie, 37, said: “I think he’s quite crazy, there’s no way I would do that. He does a lot of mad challenges. I’m passed worrying now, I am resigned to it.”

To prepare for the ordeal, the businessman has been training in cold rooms and walk-in freezers, and even in the back of an Eddie Stobart freezer lorry, in temperatures as low as -30C.

The Arctic Circle is one of the driest places on earth, so hydration will be especially important. He will also be wearing a shirt designed to take sweat off his body as quickly as possible to stop it freezing.

Mr Mott will be one of about 100 runners attempting the race. He hopes to complete it in five hours and will not be allowed to carry on after seven hours as it could be dangerous to continue past that point.

To sponsor Mr Mott, visit his website davidmott.vc