Hugh has, without doubt, a determination to succeed which rubs off on others. Incredibly, Hugh completed 50 marathons in 50 days, from Lisbon to London. Audiences can’t fail to be enthused by his achievements – he calls it “Staying the distance”. Be inspired!Hugh Williams-Preece set out to complete 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days, running from Lisbon in Portugal back to London . Not only did he succeed, but with humility and humour he now shares his experiences with audiences of all ages. He loves physical and mental exertion, and simply never gives up. He has the ability to take his audiences along with him, and give them the inspiration to do more in their lives.
Born prematurely in Anglesey in October 1969, Hugh he kicked a little harder, dusted himself down from the playground and tried again, and again. He was, and still is, a man who knows and loves physical and mental exertion. After Gordonstoun School (whose motto is “Plus est en vous” (“More is in you”)) he went to hotel school, worked for an adventure tourism company in New Zealand , and later in London in corporate events. He found time to undertake more challenges, climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland , England and Wales in 24 hours (the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’) and summiting Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, assorted volcanoes in Argentina , and then Aconcagua .
In 2004, Hugh successfully completed the trans-Saharan Marathon des Sables, 6 marathons in 7 days; the toughest foot race in the world.
Next, he built a successful business in event management with his own company running business conferences, AGM’s, financial roadshows and bespoke sporting events.
In August 2009, Hugh was ready for another challenge, aside from now being married, and the father of three children under the age of four! It was clear that he had the physical aptitude, stamina and mental strength to succeed in endurance challenges. What next? At his wife’s family home in Portugal, he wondered whether he could run home? (some 1,300 miles) and the vision of 50in50 was born. More than 20 running partners joined Hugh on this mammoth achievement and he crossed the finishing line, in London’s Trafalgar Square, at 3pm on Wednesday 21 April 2010. Hugh raised over £40,000 (the total is still rising) for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Each of the 50 marathons, on 50 days, was a different journey, a different story, and a unique occasion. Every single energy-sapping footfall and every joule of energy was converted and amplified for positive, lasting effect.
Hugh has broad experience in many situations and business sectors, as illustrated in the invitations he receives to speak, and in his approach to speaking. Each speech is focused on the specific requirements of each client and themes often include inspiration and motivation (of yourself and of others), goal setting, assessing risk, planning and “daring to dream”. His style is friendly, approachable and engaging, “can do” and professional. Hugh addresses business audiences, charities and schools, and enjoys sharing his own inspiration with young people and entrepreneurs. A “people person”, Hugh enjoys meeting his guests and taking questions, either in a formal Q&A session or more informally afterwards.