Washington – The Special Events Coordinator for the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), BethAnn Telford, is preparing to run the race of a lifetime.  Telford will participate in the 2017 World Marathon Challenge.  She will run seven marathons, during seven consecutive days on every continent.  The first marathon is scheduled to take place January 23rd in Antarctica and the final one will conclude on January 29th in Australia.  Among those joining Telford will be an Olympic athlete, Ironman champion and a British solider. More about the World Marathon Challenge: http://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com/ 

The 47-year-old GPO employee is a brain cancer survivor, first diagnosed with a tumor in 2005.  Telford has undergone multiple brain surgeries and still battles the disease today.  She is an advocate of promoting awareness about brain cancer.  Telford is an endurance athlete, who has competed in:   

-the Marine Corps Marathon annually

-five Boston Marathons

-two Lake Placid Ironman competitions

-Kona Ironman World Championships

-Crossing the Grand Canyon, a nine hour rim-to-rim trek of more than 20 miles

“BethAnn is a true inspiration to us all,” said GPO Director Davita Vance-Cooks.  “Her enthusiasm for life is contagious and she never fails to amaze all of us by successfully competing in one competition after another.  I and GPO will be rooting for her as she embarks on this incredible race around the globe. Best of luck BethAnn!”