Are you up for a virtual challenge?
A Connel couple are organising a virtual running event in memory of their friend who died from cancer.
Stacey and Max Holle will take up the challenge over one week in August to complete as bigger distance as they can in six, 12 or 24 hours.
Although it is a running race, to make sure it is as inclusive as possible they have added in the option of doing it on wheels which could involve a wheelchair, bike, scooter or even a pushchair.
Entrants can chose their own routes as long as it follows government guidance in regard to COVID-19 and travel and exercise, and they are free to break their efforts into how many sections they like as long as it adds up to their chosen time limit. The end distance and time is logged online and will show up in the results.
The Virtual Tyndrum24 event was inspired by an ultrarunner friend of Stacey’s, Mark Thornberry, who died on June 14. Despite a liver cancer diagnosis, he kept on running and when he needed help to complete the Grand Union Canal Challenge, a huge number of people, including Stacey turned up to run it. When he died he had already raised £80,000, since his death the total has reached £90,000, but his goal had been £100,000.
Stacey, who is a former cancer researcher, said: ‘Mark was one of those amazing characters you meet while out on a long run who despite the odds wanted to make a difference. We hope the Virtual
Tyndrum24 will go some way to help reach the goal he wanted.
‘We’re thinking of having a mass Zoom start at midday on Saturday August 1 to get everyone off to an exciting start,’ added Stacey.
To add some extra adventure into entrants’ routes there are three photo categories, with prizes from sponsors, including North Connel-based skin care brand SKIRR. The themes are water, fire and night-time.
The cost to enter is £4 plus £2 if you are not UK Athletics or Scottish Athletics associated. Once the event costs are covered, the surplus will go to Mark’s charity. People are also being encouraged to get their own sponsorship, if they can, to donate as well.
Money raised will help fund research into liver cancer at King’s College Hospital in
London, where Mark received support and treatment.
WayOutside adventure company is run by Stacey and Max, this January more than 100 entrants braved freezing temperatures to be part of the first Tyndrum 24-hour winter trail race, with competitors travelling from as far as Orkney and Southampton to complete as many laps as they could over dirt tracks, rocky paths, through forestry and over river crossings.
‘In the Virtual Tyndrum24, anyone can join in from any location and choose any route they like. We’re excited to see who signs up and can’t wait to see their water, fire and nighttime photos! It’s going to be a great adventure whatever people’s fitness levels. Anyone can do this!’
To donate to Mark’s Virgin moneygivingpage, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MarkThornberry
To find out more about the Virtual Tyndrum24 event and enter go to www.wayoutside. co.uk