Brathay 10 in 10 update: Matt Dunn takes the lead
As runners passed the half way point in the Brathay Trust Windermere 10 in 10 earlier this week, a 36 year old IT specialist from Guildford has thrown down the gauntlet to challenge the recent female supremacy in the race for the title.
As the name suggests, the 10 in10 manifests itself in the form of 10 marathons, over 10 consecutive days, around Lake Windermere. The event is organised by the Brathay Trust - the Ambleside based national charity which helps children and young people to become successful, confident and responsible citizens - and it concludes with the Brathay Windermere Marathon on Sunday 20 May, where 10 in 10 runners will joint their one-day marathon counterparts.
Matt Dunn, originally from the Wirral, played second fiddle to Kirkby Lonsdale’s Sally Ford over the weekend, but stormed back to the front of the 18 strong pack earlier this week in an inspirational run that saw him complete the 26.2 mile course in just 3:33:23.
His performance has ensured that for the first time in the history of the Brathay 10 in 10, a real battle of the sexes is now taking place at one of the world’s most difficult endurance events, and with a little over seven minutes separating the pair over their four marathons to date, there could be a sprint finish on the final day the race.
Matt, who used to enjoy running when he was younger, practically gave up sport when he moved school aged 12. Married with three children (Holly, 8 and Kate and Tom, 5), he realised that he had become overweight in 2006. His infrequent games of five-a-side football had done little to improve his fitness and he was in need of something that would get him into shape.
In an attempt to prove his fitness, his first run was an off-road 10K in April 2007. Since then he has run 13 marathons, mostly off-road, and has also completed 10 ultra-marathons, including London to Brighton last August.
Matt is convinced that his rigorous training regime explains his fantastic performance yesterday: "I’m currently preparing for my first 100 mile race, the North Downs Way 100, which is on 13 August," he said. "To be honest, it’s quite a scary proposition as it’s run over 24 hours with no sleep, and little light throughout the night, so I’ve been putting in lots of work to ensure I’m as fit as possible so that I can overcome any adversity."
His improving times are proof that all the pain has been worthwhile and he’s confident that, should he avoid injury, he has a fair chance of securing the 10 in10 crown this Sunday: "This challenge certainly takes a lot out of you but the Body Rehab team look after all the runners fantastically well. I get in after the run and think to myself there’s no way I can do that again, but after a session with the Body Rehab team I feel ready to go."
"I’m taking nothing for granted," continued Matt, "even if my body holds out I need my mind to stay strong. Sally is an incredible athlete, as are all the runners in this event, and if I’m anywhere near her on day 10 I’ll be delighted."
Matt is also enjoying the camaraderie of the event. "The way in which the group supports each other has been brilliant and I take a great deal of pride in seeing all the other runners coming over the line. We’re all making lasting relationships, over the course of the event, so it’s been a fantastic experience both on and off the roads."