Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk is one of the most famous, one of the most iconic walks in the country - if not the world. 192
miles in length, the walk winds its’ way through three National Parks, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors; stretching from St.Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast, the total height climbed is 8,606m (28,235 ft.), whilst the highest point at 775m (2,543 ft.) is Kidsty Pike to the east of the Lake District. Thousands of walkers from all over the world complete this classic walk every year.

This year though, two Devon based men have set themselves the
target of running the whole route. Leaving St. Bees on Wednesday 11^th
September they aim to reach Robin Hood’s Bay on Thursday 26^th
September. In taking 16 days they’re not trying to set any records timewise, but they might be the oldest chaps to ever have attempted the challenge!

Mike Peace from Lustleigh, near Bovey Tracey, will be 70 just a few days later in October whilst Bob Small from North Bovey, near Moretonhampstead, will be 72 in November.  Mike started running at school through the 50s and 60s where he reached County Championshipson the track and country. Cross Country was always his favourite, longer distances in particular. Football took over from late teens on wards with some success. Then came the first London Marathon in 1981 and his senior road running debut. The running bug bit again. He coached sports (particularly running) as a teacher for 40 years and competed regularly on the road and country, joining Ranelagh Harriers in 1981. Since this time he has won a number of County age group medals in Surrey and is one of only 10 people to complete
every London Marathon (38 to date).  Mike has raised money for charities regularly over the years and now hopes to continue this for Rowcroft Hospice.

Bob Small from North Bovey near Moretonhampstead,  has walked the Coast to Coast on two occasions and was an avid athlete in his earlier years being National Police and Middlesex County champion for 1,500m whilst also representing the Southern Counties before having a successful road running career. After taking a 35 year ‘sabbatical’ from running, cricket and golf taking pride of place, Bob joined Teignbridge Trotters in 2018 and now competes at all distances between 5k and
half marathon.  Bob said ‘Having walked the Coast to Coast twice I’m very interested to see if running the route is more or less tiring than walking; we will only be going quite steadily - trying to enjoy the views as we go!’    

Mike and Bob have chosen the Torquay based Rowcroft Hospice
as the charity they wish to support. Last year it cost £7.8 million to run the Hospice and meet the needs of people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Most of the Hospice’s work is delivered out in the community, in peoples’ homes, residential homes and hospitals. But for patients with more complex needs, or those visiting for outpatient appointments, the Hospice’s specialist Inpatient Unit and Outpatient Centre are set in a tranquil peaceful setting atop the beautiful Torbay, nestled among 22 acres of gardens and woodland. Alison
Upton, Community and Corporate Fundraising Manager for Rowcroft Hospice said ‘"We are absolutely thrilled that Mike and Bob have chosen to do this huge challenge to help Rowcroft. Any money they raise will help us to make every day the best day possible for our patients and their loved ones.”

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