The highly challenging KTH 24 hour charity challenge to run the distance from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, a total of 1347km was literally blown out of the water with a fantastic effort from all the athletes, parents & friends associated with the club to run a grand total of 1627km in 24 hours the vast majority of which was completed circling the KTH track in Thurston Drive.
It was a magnificent effort with large numbers of individuals contributing to the total, for some it was simply jogging a few laps, others completing dizzying numbers of the track, with a few choosing to walk instead, whatever the amount it was truly a team effort and an inspiring achievement to cover this distance in just 24 hours.
It was a super weekend with fine weather throughout and many people choosing to stay through the night either watching the big screen in the clubhouse, or simply enjoying the lovely full moon while camping in the inner field. There was also much activity through the night with many athletes completing huge numbers of laps running in the moonlight, which was a wonderfully surreal experience!
There was a great atmosphere throughout with a “bring your own food BBQ”, and plenty of snacks to keep everybody fuelled, and a great opportunity to everyone to catch up and chat after a very busy summer of athletics.
Some facts: The original 24 hour target of 1347 km was broken at approximately 10:03 on the Sunday morning with some 2 hours to spare, and the honour of figuratively breaking the tape at John O’Groats was taken by U13 Mia Brockway who completed 17 laps with her dad!
The eventual total of 1627km was over 20% higher than that the target and enough distance to extend beyond the Orkney isles to Voe in the Shetland Isles!
Every contribution no matter how big or small contributed to this wonderful KTH club challenge but there has to be a special mention to all the athletes who exceeded the traditional 42.2 km marathon distance, which is impressive as most only compete at 800-1500m…..U20 Francesca Ashworth with the highest individual total of the challenge takes top honours with a truly remarkable 52km (130 laps) completed, closely followed by U17 Jake Trent (48km). U13 Dylan Bowley (47km) U17 Ella Palmer (46km), U55 Coach Smith (44km) & U20 Jack Hope with an right on the money 42.2km which is also remarkable as he did not turn up until 11pm almost half way through the challenge….so a special thanks to the marathon men & women!
Although totals have not yet been collated it’s expected a healthy amount of money has been raised for the Cransley Hospice & KTH development fund…two great causes, & don’t forget donations can still be made on the Just giving website link: www.justgiving.com/Kettering-Town-Harriers-Lands-End-to-John-O-Groats-Challenge/
A massive thank you to all who helped make this evet such as success and of course to all the athletes/ parents/ friends (& some 4 legged friends!) who contributed to the challenge,
WELL DONE!!