DUBAI // An explorer living in Dubai has become a world record holder for the fastest trek between three of the world's most extreme places. Adrian Hayes, a British expatriate, is entered in the Guinness World Records 2009 book for his "Three Pole Challenge" - conquering Mount Everest before walking between the North and South Poles in one year and 217 days. The former officer in the Gurkha regiment topped Everest on May 25, 2006. He reached the North Pole, unaided, on April 25 last year and made it to the South Pole eight months later, on Dec 28 2007.
He is the 15th person to conquer the "Three Poles". "It was never about making any records, I'm just flattered and lucky to be one of the 15 who have ever done it," he said yesterday. Mr Hayes, 45, insisted that his motivation is not to break records or an addiction to adrenaline. "I'm doing this simply because I love the adventure," he said. "I was never meant to work in a corner shop in Satwa, Dubai. There's nothing wrong with doing that, but it was never for me. This is what I love to do."
Mr Hayes is expected to announce his next expedition, to cross the ice cap in Greenland, next month. loatway@thenational.ae
