Merrick Chernett
Driven by his determination to push boundaries and live life to the fullest, Bloomfield Hills resident Merrick Chernett recently became the youngest person, at age 18, to compete in The Great World Race by running an incredible seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
Sixty runners compete in this annual ultra-marathon.
Chernett learned firsthand valuable life lessons about finding the inner strength and resilience to persevere and overcome adversity.
“I trained so hard and made sacrifices – I was mentally prepared to do whatever it takes to finish the race,” he said.
The international race took place this past November in Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica; Cape Town, South Africa; Perth, Australia; Istanbul (one in Europe and another in Asia); Cartagena, South America; and Miami, Florida, North America.
The cost to enter the rigorous race is steep – nearly $50,000. Chernett said he funded it through money from his savings, his parents – which he intends to pay back– as well as sponsors. He used his participation in the race to raise money for Innovation:Africa, a nonprofit organization that uses solar and water technology to bring electricity and clean drinking water to rural African villages.
There are incredible challenges and obstacles when traveling to seven continents in seven days and running over 180 miles in a wide range of weather conditions. Chernett suffered lack of sleep, frostbite on his lip, heat stroke and a foot stress fracture – but persevered.
“Your body can be pushed further than you ever think it can. I was so focused on finishing the race even through exhaustion, tears and pain.”
His family met him at the last stop in Miami to cheer him on and, upon seeing his exhausted and dehydrated condition, arranged for an IV that helped him get through the final race.
Post-race, Chernett reflected: “Enjoy your life. Don’t take anything too seriously. These are the moments that make our lives and define who we are.”
The Bloomfield Hills High School 2024 graduate and University of Michigan Ross School of Business freshman had previously participated in several ultra-endurance events called Toughest Mudder. He trained for six months prior to The Great World Race.
"I was insanely disciplined and sacrificed a lot,” he said. “On Saturdays, I would get up really early to run a marathon, go to a tailgate, then the [football] game.”
For his next endurance feat, Chernett has set his sights on conquering the brutal 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon in California, running from Badwater Basin, Death Valley to the trailhead of Mt. Whitney’s summit in under 48 hours.
Becoming such a passionate runner seemed unlikely when Chernett was a child with asthma who regularly relied on an inhaler. He overcame asthma around the age of 10 by deciding to start daily running and jumping rope, gradually increasing his endurance until he no longer needed an inhaler.
With asthma behind him, he developed a passion for tennis and attended several tennis academies before starting at Bloomfield Hills Middle School after a foot injury. During this time, he recalled, “Having been away from public school, I felt lonely with no friends and depressed. I stopped doing good things for myself.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began high school and resolved to change. “I decided not to feel sorry for myself, to do good things, and not care what others think.” By his junior year, he had established “an amazing friend group” and was focusing on things he is passionate about.
Chernett’s plan for his future includes a career in investment banking and continuing to live life to the fullest. In addition to being an ultra-athlete, he enjoys simple pleasures such as reading, cooking, watching football and movies, and spending time with his family.
Story: Tracy Donohue
Photo: Matthew Cromwell
