Special challenge to boost Passion funds
Endurance athlete is determined to put training to good use
A SHEPSHED endurance athlete in training to complete a ‘Shepshed to Sahara’ challenge by taking part in the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert has had his plans changed yet again.
The six-day ultra marathon was originally supposed to be held in April but was put back to September because of the coronavirus epidemic - now it has been completely cancelled until 2021.
Determined not to let his training go to waste, Andy Barnes has created a 100-mile dash around Shepshed and will be using the event to raise money for the town’s Passion youth club.
He said: “Receiving the news that September’s postponed version of the MDS had been cancelled was disappointing but to be honest not really that unexpected.
“I’m not the kind of person that would let all the training go to waste so I needed something to focus on and aim towards. I completed a 50-mile run around the streets of Shepshed back in May just because I fancied a challenge so with the MDS cancelled the next obvious step up would be 100 miles around the streets of Shepshed.
“The 100 Mile Dash will be taking place on September 19 and September 20. I will be starting at 9am in Glenmore Park car park and finishing around 24 hours later in the same place. It would be great if some people could come out and join me for a mile or two, or if they fancy doing a bit more a lap or two.
“The pace won’t be fast, the main objective is to bring the community together in supporting a very important local organisation.
“Passion youth centre in the Bullring Shepshed is a safe place for 11 to 18-yearolds. They offer support and guidance to young people who may not have these basic things within their home environment. Passion is a non-profit organisation so it is run solely through fund raising which during the Covid-19 pandemic has been very difficult.”
• If you fancy joining Andy and/or would like to donate to the cause you can contact Andy on Facebook Andy.Barness2s or donate at www.gofundme.com/f/shepshed100miledash