17 fundraising heroes training to tackle 10 marathons in 10 days

SEVENTEEN fundraising heroes have just 16 more weeks of training before they will tackle 10 marathons in as many days around Lake Windermere this May.

Their Groundhog Day challenge, to run the same marathon every day, is often described as the UK’s ultimate endurance running event. A fundraiser for youth charity Brathay Trust, it was devised by Sir Christopher Ball, an academic in his 70s, who wanted to know if you could be ordinary to push the boundaries of what is humanly possible. Their 10in10 has raised over £1million in 10 years for Brathay’s ground-breaking work with young people.

The 17 runners are together at Brathay this weekend for the first time (Sat 14th and Sun 15th January) to recce the course, share strategies, talk to fitness professionals and get to know their support team and mentors.

Having been offered a place in one of the world’s most difficult marathon challenges, for many this is the point at which the idea of participating becomes a reality.

“This training event helps everyone get ready for May” explained Brathay’s Operation Manager Aly Knowles.

“The runners receive important advice on hydration, nutrition and sports therapy and, most importantly, they run a practice marathon.

“Training for one marathon is tough enough, but training for 10 back to back ones is even harder” added Aly who has, herself, trained for two Brathay 10in10 challenges.

Each runner has to raise at least £3,000 in order to compete in the event so sharing fundraising tips and learning about the work of the charity is also part of the weekend.

Ranging in age from 35 to 65 years old, the six women and 11 men come from all over the country, and include, for the first time, four local runners. Of the 17, five have tackled it before and 12 are new to the event. One, participant Malc Collins (handicap 8.2), has signed up for his fifth challenge.

Over 70 years of expertise in outdoor learning, and supporting young people and adults to make positive changes to their lives, means the charity is well equipped to organise its own fundraising endurance events – many charities outsource theirs.

The Brathay 10in10 starts on Friday 12 May and ends on Sunday 21 May when the course is also the one day ASICS Windermere Marathon. Many 10in10ers discover the challenge when running the one day marathon.

Donation, event and runner details can be found on: http://www.brathaychallenges.com

Pictured: Aly Knowles of Brathay Trust.