Kentish Express Ashford & District
Mimi takes epic challenge in her stride
Runner completes 1460 miles in 32 days – with just a single blister at the finishing line
Ultra-marathon runner Mimi Anderson has come through her most gruelling challenge so far ... with just a blister.
Mimi, 52, completed the 1,460mile Freedom Trail across South Africa with fellow runner Samantha Gash in 32 days.
The grandmother from Bell Lane, Smarden, said: “It was my toughest challenge yet and the biggest single run I have done.
“I got through it with no injuries apart from tired muscles and a blister.”
Mimi and Australian Samantha, 29, set off from Pietermaritzburg and crossed mountain ranges, valleys and ventured into untouched wilderness before finishing in Cape Town last Monday.
They were raising money to set up a social enterprise business employing women to make feminine hygiene products.
The pair decided to do something after learning that 60% of females in South Africa do not have access to sanitary products and 30% of girls miss school during menstruation because of the social stigma.
They aim to raise £32,000 and are already £24,000 towards their target.
Mimi said the highlight for her had been the scenery.
“I t was beautiful, absolutely breathtaking,” she said. “Although we were following a trail bike route, there were places where there was no path.
“We climbed up hills and rocks and scrambled down on our bottoms and crossed rivers in water up to our waists.
“There were no real low points for me, apart from feeling very tired towards the end of the run.”
The pair averaged 40 miles a day without a rest day.
“We went through parts of South Africa that are so remote that South Africans never go there,” said Mimi.
“We stayed with families along the way who were amazing and so friendly.”
Mimi returned to the UK on Fri- day and is now having a month off before starting training for a 268-mile run across the Pennine Way in January.
She holds a number of world records, including the furthest distance run on a treadmill in seven days, the fastest woman to run from John O’Groats to Land’s End and the fastest crossing of Ireland on foot.
To donate to her Freedom Trail appeal, go to www. freedomrunners.org