Monterey man plans to run seven continents in seven days while calling attention to hunger.

Three weeks from today, on Nov. 15, Ben Balester will be in Antarctica. 

The Monterey resident is not a scientist. Nor is he on a photographic expedition. And if you are trying to think of other logical reasons for Balester to set foot on the frozen continent, it’s probably best to just admit defeat.

On that Friday in mid-November, is the first leg of The Great World Race, a globetrotting marathon of marathons. A day after running in Antarctica, Balester and the others compete in Cape Town, on the southern tip of Africa.

From there they travel to Perth, Australia, run back-to-back marathons in Istanbul—one on the Asian side of the Turkish metropolis, the other on the European side. Then it’s off to Cartagena in South America before wrapping up in the North American city of Miami.

That’s seven marathons on seven continents on seven consecutive days. Why take on the challenge?

“I like to test my limits,” Balester says, before chuckling at a schedule that puts the runners in a hotel bed only one night during the span. “I like to sleep on planes. It’s going to be an eye-opening experience.”

Balester is an endurance race veteran, with 10 100-mile events to his credit, as well as a number of traditional marathons. He has finished 26-mile courses in just under three hours when pushing, four hours at a more leisurely pace.

Race organizers give the 60 participants eight hours to finish each day’s run before they must board a flight to the next continent.

“I have no idea what to expect,” Balester admits. “Every marathon will be different. I’m confident I can finish.”

Recently he completed a 100-kilometer endurance competition at Lake Sonoma as a warm up. He reports that recovery from the run went well—an encouraging sign before the seven-day test.

The uniqueness of the event—all seven continents in a week—is part of the draw. But Balester is also running with a purpose.

He has set up a GoFundMe page and is asking people to show support for his attempted feat by donating to Al & Friends, a nonprofit organization that each week provides a free Sunday breakfast to anyone who shows up at Window on the Bay Park in Monterey. The all-volunteer Al & Friends is in need of a new truck.

Balester notes that all money donated through the GoFundMe site goes to the nonprofit. He hopes to raise $50,000. One can donate here.

“I’ve supported Dorothy’s Place and Al & Friends,” Balester says. “I’m in awe of people who selflessly serve.”