RUNNING COACH TAKES ON A SOCIALLY DISTANT 10in10 CHALLENGE

Gary Howells, a running coach based in Llanelli, will attempt to run 10 marathons in 10 days at home on a treadmill to raise funds for Brathay Trust and NHS charities.

We were approached by Gary, who like many other runners, had found the running event he was training for cancelled this year. Already comfortable at running marathon distance, social distancing measures have encouraged Gary to get very familiar with the treadmill. The 10in10 caught Gary’s eye as a potential challenge that could really test him during this time.

Gary said “The Brathay 10in10 has always appealed to me but I’ve never been able to get the time off to fit in with it. So having a treadmill in my garage the thoughts started to turn in my head. What better way than raising money for some amazing charities whilst challenging myself to 10in10 on a treadmill.”

Gary will be raising funds for both Brathay Trust and NHS charities and will start his marathons on what was the planned start date of this year’s Brathay 10in10, 8 May 2020.

Event director Scott Umpleby said “I’m full of respect for anyone who steps up to attempt 10 marathons over consecutive days. Taking on 10in10 on a treadmill at home, without the professional support our Brathay runners normally enjoy, is even more impressive. Gary is embracing Brathay’s ethos that everyone has the capacity to do extraordinary things that can inspire and benefit others.”

The original 10in10 is a tough endurance challenge that requires athletes to run 26.2 mile anti-clockwise circuit of Windermere 10 times over 10 days. Months of mental preparation and physical conditioning are required by athletes wanting to join the list of 128 people who have completed the challenge since 2007. This years’ Brathay 10in10 has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic with the last day coinciding with the new date for the ASICS Windermere Marathon on the 1 November.

Funds raised for Brathay Trust will go towards the After CoronaVirus Ends appeal to help vulnerable children and young people who have particularly suffered due to the pandemic.

All donations to support Brathay Trust’s work at this difficult time will be greatly appreciated.

Donations to Gary's fundraising can be made on his Justgiving page.