Richard's Mental 24-hour Marathon Track Race 2024

My Journey to the World 24-hour Championships

Hello everyone!

Three years ago, I embarked on a journey that has completely transformed my life. When I started running, I was determined to make a change, both physically and mentally. Since then, I've lost up to 30kg, become two years sober, and achieved national-level race times across multiple distances.

This September, I will be taking on my biggest challenge yet: the Self Transcendence 24 Hour Track Race at Millennium Stadium in Battersea Park.

My Running Achievements

In the past three years, I have:

• Lost up to 30kg: Through continued running and a healthier lifestyle, I have shed up to 30kg, drastically improving my fitness and overall well-being.
• 2 Years Sober: I am proud to celebrate almost two years of sobriety (end-July), which has had a profound impact on my life, allowing me to focus on my physical and mental health, and continue to enable me to try and be the best I can be across all walks of life.
• Top 10 Finishes in 100km Ultra-Marathons: Competing in ultra-marathons has pushed my limits and hopefully I've shown what can be achieved through perseverance, dedication, and consistently going out for a run or walk on the days where it is so much easier not to.
• Sub-3 Hour Marathons: I was able to complete my very first marathons in under three hours on two occasions, the has to be one of my most significant milestones and acheivements, highlighting my continued progress and commitment to running.

The Big Challenge: 24-hour Track Race

This September, I will join 49 other runners at Battersea Park to run for 24 hours straight. My goal is to exceed a distance of 255km (160 miles), which could qualify me to represent Team GB at the World 24-hour Championships in Albi, France, in 2025.

This race is not only a personal challenge but also an opportunity to raise £10,000 for three incredible charities.

Training Run Races

To prepare for this monumental challenge, I have a rigorous training schedule running in excess of 100km each and every week, including several key races:

• London Marathon (April): Completed with a time of 3 hours 31 minutes.
• London to Brighton 100km (May): DNF after 58km due to heat and hydration issues.
• London Ultra 55km (June): Completed with a time of 5 hours 2 minutes, finishing in 23rd place overall.
• 12-hour Track Race - Bannister Series, Oxford (August): Completed with a total distance of 108km, finishing in 1st place with a new 100km PB time of 10 hours 32 minutes 🥇🏆♥️

These races are crucial steps in building confidence, my endurance and preparing for the 24-hour race.

Supporting Charities

I am raising funds for three amazing charities, and all donations will be split equally among them:

• Mind: Providing support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
• Parkinson's UK: Working to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.
• Global's Make Some Noise: Supporting small and local charities across the UK.

More information about these charities can be found by clicking their "About this charity" links below.

How You Can Help

Your support is invaluable. By donating, you are not only helping these wonderful charities but also encouraging me to push my limits and achieve my goals. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.

Together, we can make a positive impact and support those in need.