10in10 starts today
Jos Naylor, 80, Brathay 10in10 patron (and legendary fell runner and sheep farmer) will see 12 runners off as estate game keeper Stephen Bond fires his gun to signal the start of the 10in10.
TODAY twelve runners will set off on their first marathon of 10, over 10 days.
Their monumental challenge will see them tackle the same marathon each day - a 26.2 miles anti-clockwise lap around England’s longest lake, Windermere - finishing on Sunday 22 May.
The four women and eight men, who describe themselves as ordinary individuals, are raising money for the Ambleside based youth charity Brathay Trust. Founded 70 years ago by Kendal businessman Francis C Scott, Brathay works with 7,000 youngsters, including the most disadvantaged, helping them to turn their lives around. The 10in10, which is 10 years old this year, has raised over £1million to support the charity’s work and this year’s runners have pledged to raise a collective £80,000.
Half of the runners are tackling the 10in10 for the first time, whilst others are returning for a second, third and fourth time. Ulverston publican Paul Dewar has turned his second 10in10 into an epic 21 day challenge . By the time he starts his first marathon he will have cycled 1,350 miles and swum, the day before, the 10.5 mile length of Windermere. Former Kirbie Kendal School head boy, Captain Jack Swannick – an Officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps and an Instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - is the youngest person taking part in this year’s challenge. The 28 year old says he is the most inexperienced marathon runner out of the cohort – with some, including the oldest entrant 60 year old Jim Meta (handicap 20.3) from Leeds, returning to the event for the third time.
The 10in10 is described by adventurer and extreme survival expert Bear Grylls as “an epic challenge that will require an epic strength of mind”. Only 88 people have completed it since it started in 2007.
The runners hope well-wishers will support them with a text donation MARA26 £the amount and sent to 70070. Over the years the 10in10ers have been cheered on by pupils at Hawkshead Primary school, which lies on their route, and also local residents, businesses and visitors around the course.
Anyone wanting to check up on their progress can follow the action on @BrathayRunning and facebook.com/BrathayRunning.
The runners, who live on site at Brathay Hall during their challenge, receive support from a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and experts including 20 sports therapy students from the University of Cumbria.
Brathay’s Head of Fundraising Scott Umpleby says the charity appreciates all that the runners do and said:
“These amazing people put their life on hold to train and fundraise for at least nine months. They are helped by understanding and supportive family and friends. It is a massive undertaking and ultimately it means we can work with some very vulnerable young people to help them turn their lives around.”
The Brathay 10in10 begins on Friday 13 May and ends on Sunday 22 May to coincide with the Brathay Windermere Marathon, Half Marathon, Junior Races and Family Fun Day. For more information please visit https://www.brathay.org.uk/marathon-welcome.