Four University of York students are embarking on a significant challenge over the next 24 hours which will push them to their physical limits, as they aim to raise money for the Association of International Cancer Research (AICR).
Simon Varley, Samuel Davies, Josh Clewes and Jack Fisher are currently attempting to run 500 laps of the track surrounding the JLD between the four of them in a 24 hour period.
In total their efforts will see them run 50km each, and a total of 200km, as they run throughout the night without sleep, only finishing tomorrow at 10am.
In October these four will be amongst a group of York students running the Amsterdam marathon in aid of the same charity, and today’s challenge will form perfect preparation for their future ventures.
Second year Simon Varley told Vision: “We’re running a marathon for AICR in October and we thought we’d do this as a bit of training and to raise some money at the same time.”
Fellow participant Samuel Davies added: “This is all for our marathon fund, and to help cancer research. We’re trying to push our limits, and raise money for a good cause.”
The four runners will be devoid of sleep, and the greatest challenge will be posed late at night. On the issue Davies added: “We’ve started strong and we’re hoping to get the 500 miles in. It’s going to be extremely tough and we’re going to need all the help we can get, but we think we can push through it.”
The challenge started this morning at 10am, and will last 24 hours, during which time any support would be greatly appreciated. As of 12pm, they had managed the first 60km, but a long slog lies ahead.
AICR is a charity which funds the very best cancer research projects, and exists to help save lives in the future which are currently being lost to cancer. You can donate throughout the day at the sports centre, where there are collection buckets for this cause, or online at www.justgiving/The-Long-Run.
For anyone interested, we passed 500 laps at 2.15 last night and now hobbling our way towards the 600 mark, thanks to everyone who has publicised, shared, donated, watched or brought along food to this event.. Really is a great cause and all these moments of generosity and hugely helpful in running through the rain,tiredness and the pain.
You legends!
Thanks to everyone for all of the support, and those that kept us awake and fed us over the 24 hours! We pushed our limits and completed 700 laps overall, equalling 45.75 miles each! We are so pleased to see that so many of you are still sponsoring us on our fundraising page! Thank you!
This seems quite impressive. Did you make the target in the end? Great Idea and fantastic cause.
Surely a classic example of the cliquey sport/media group promoting their friends own interests. 99% of charitable enterprise never gets this much coverage.
Surely a classic example of an arsehole