Reddam principal Rick celebrates his epic marathon success
THE PRINCIPAL of Reddam House has completed his marathon fundraising challenge.
Rick Cross competed in the Marathon Des Sables ultra challenge for two charities, female education advocates Camfed and Wokingham-based First Days Children’s Charity.
“Before I left for the race, the total was £4,000, but when I looked at the end of the race, it had gone up to £5,060,” he says.
“I am really looking forward to presenting both of them with a cheque for £2,530.”
The Marathon des Sables sees participants attempt to run 250 kilometres (155 miles) in a multi-staged race over seven days in the Moroccan Sahara desert. Runners must be completely self-sufficient and carry their own backpacks containing food, sleeping gear and other items. He finished 179th from a field of 1,000 participants.
Rick says that: “it was an incredible experience, but really tough at times.”
“The fourth stage was 85 kilometres (53 miles) and took me 14 hours to complete.
“But my body held up well and I finished without any blisters, because I put in a lot of training and work beforehand.”
Following an injury while competing in an ultra marathon earlier this year, Rick underwent physiotherapy. He built up his leg and glute muscles, and worked on his running cadence to achieve 170 steps per minute in an effort to avoid further problems. And a daily regime of moisturising his feet for three months prior to racing, plus two pairs of socks, tape, blister shield and lubricant kept him up and running.
“I was the only person in my tent of eight not to get blisters,” he adds.
“I was sharing with my brother Jonathan and six other men from across the England.
“We were a competitive group too, we all finished in the top 215.
“I was the oldest one in there at 45, despite being in the average age range for competitors.”
Rick says that he probably will not take part in the event because of the impact it has on his family. His wife Georgie and 12 year old daughter Dare have been supportive of his efforts, but he is looking forward to spending more time with them.
“I’ll be running in both Reading and Wokingham half marathons next year, and hopefully I have inspired my daughter to run too.
“Distance running is achievable if you are willing to put the effort in.”
Jenny Westmorland, head of fundraising at First Days, thanked Rick and said “we are incredibly grateful for his fundraising efforts.”
“It is one of the toughest ultra events in the world and takes a very special person to complete it with such tenacity — he was even smiling about it when he came to visit us,” she says.
“Without support, many of the families we help would go without essential items.
“This money will help those who need it most.”