17 fundraising heroes training to tackle 10 marathons in 10 days
17 fundraising heroes have just 16 more weeks of training before tackling 10 marathons in as many days around Windermere in May.
Their Groundhog Day challenge, to run the same marathon every day, is often described as the UK’s ultimate endurance running event. This fundraising challenge event was devised by Brathay Fellow Sir Christopher Ball, an academic in his 70s, who wanted to prove that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. The Brathay 10in10 has raised over £1million in 10 years for our community and residential projects to help vulnerable young people.
The 17 runners meet this weekend for the first time (Sat 14th and Sun 15th January) to run on 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 the 10in10” explained Operation Manager Aly Knowles.
“The runners receive important advice on hydration, nutrition and sports therapy and, most importantly, they get to train on the course. Training for one marathon is tough enough, but training for 10 back to back is even harder” added Aly who has herself completed two Brathay 10in10 challenges.
Each runner makes a commitment to raise at least £3,000 to support Brathay's work - 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. Of the 17, five have tackled it before and 12 are new to the event. One, participant Malcolm Collins, has signed up for his fifth Brathay 10in10 challenge.
Over 70 years of expertise in outdoor learning, and supporting young people and adults to make positive changes to their lives, means Brathay is well equipped to organise fundraising endurance events like the Brathay 10in10.
The Brathay 10in10 starts on Friday 12th May and ends on Sunday 21st May, when the course is also shared with runners in the ASICS Windermere Marathon. Many 10in10ers discover the challenge when running this one day marathon in previous years.