While most were thinking of winding down on Friday night, two Mighty Greens were embarking on a 36 hour running challenge. Experienced ultra runner Mark Andow and Louise Dalton, who was aiming to run 100 miles for charity, set off at 9pm in Newnham Park, Plymouth on the first of many 5 mile off road, hilly circuits.
Sidmouth Running Club’s social secretary, Naomi Garrick, joined them at midday on Saturday as she embarked on the Hope 24 challenge.
The trio had set up camp by the course and were able to support each other on their refuelling/rest times/costume changes in Naomi’s case as well as out on the course and all three said how invaluable it was.
Running under the relentless sun in record temperatures took its’ toll on Mark as he struggled to refuel so made the decision to stop but not before he’d clocked up 75 miles and finished 41st in a field of 107. Re’mark’ably, still feeling an itch had to be scratched, when Mark returned home later that day he went out and ran a marathon to round up his mileage!
Louise doggedly continued and reached her 100 mile goal at 8.30pm on Saturday. With a very swollen knee and foot the Mighty Green had a decision to make, she knew she was the first female to complete 100 miles and had a chance of a podium finish but she was in absolute agony so very grudgingly went to sleep in the car. Waking up at 5am after 4.5 hours sleep Louise felt strangely ok and was being driven to distraction watching the runners still out on the course. With paracetamol and a can of coke inside her Louise set out to pursue a further 15 miles in the last couple of hours pushing herself to the limit and surprising Naomi who had seen the state she was in hours earlier. Louise’s determination and tenacity paid off as she finished first female and 4th overall, running 115 miles in 36 hours, raising £1,385 for Shout and The Mix, mental health support charities.
Local teacher Naomi completed an amazing 65 miles in 24 hours and was delighted to learn she finished 30th out of 226, 9th female, the only one in fancy dress as well as raising money for Tipton Primary school.
All three were grateful of the support shown both on the course and remotely, with many club members messaging and tracking them throughout the gruelling challenge. They truly are MIGHTY Greens.
