Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The Rainbow Centre is close to my heart as they do wonderful work for children with cerebral palsy and their families. Although they are based in Fareham they provide support for families throughout the South of England. Their doors are open for anyone who wishes to travel from further afield.

The Coastal Challenge Series is the Ultimate 7x7x7 Challenge (7 courses, 7 stunning locations, 7 months). The goal WAS to complete 7 of the toughest marathon courses in the in 7 consecutive months. 

Exmoor (22nd May) We've FINISHED!!!
Boy - was that last one hot!! They obviously saved the best till last - fantastic scenery throughout and some really tough climbs. At least there was some shade along the way - otherwise we would have melted. 8 hours 34 minutes made this one the longest struggle so far. Thankfully there was a lovely cold river by the finish. Just right for laying down in to cool off. Thanks so much to everyone for your support.

Cornwall event (24th April) - only 1 left to complete now! Scenery was fabulous and weather perfect - it was overcast and misty during the afternoon so it was cooler than many places in England. The first 13.5 miles was spent clambering over rocks along the coastal path so running was tricky, to say the least. Hence Kathy and I took 5hours to complete the first half. Thought we were going to be out all night!! The second half meant we could run again so we picked up some time but still our slowest marathon of the series - 8 hours 17 minutes.

Pembrokeshire event (27th March) - 5 down, 2 to go. Our luck is holding with the weather - it was a glorious day. Just a shame that the tide was too far in when we started. This forced us to negotiate a rocky climb to escape the sea. With a fair amount of sand and salt water in our shoes, the next 26.5 miles scrubbed it into my toes so my feet suffered badly from the abrasive action. Not a pretty sight! Fastest time to date - 7 hours 27 minutes.

South Dorset event (27th February) - HALF WAY!! 4 down, 3 to go. The recent wet weather made this event extremely slippery and muddy. In many places we were running through ankle deep runny mud; in others we were reduced to a slithering walk. Thus this was our longest - 8 hrs 1 minute! At least my back recovered ok from Portland. We were lucky with the weather as the forecast of showers and strong wind never really materialised.

Portland event (23rd January) - 3 down, 4 to go. Chesil Beach was the tough part of this event. We had to do 2 laps of Portland, each loop culminating in 1.5 miles of Chesil Beach. Our quickest so far - 7 hours 31 minutes. Since the event I have been suffering with my back so unable to run for just over a week. Following a couple of trips to the chiropractor it will hopefully remain ok for South Devon.

Gower event (5th December) - 2 down, 5 to go. This one was made particularly challenging by the heavy rain, cold mist and slipery conditions over the last 10 miles. Completed in 7hrs 55 but this wasn't a marathon it was 28 miles instead!Fantastic beaches and lovely countryside. Took several hours to thaw out afterwards.

Charmouth event (7th November) - It was exhausting - took 7hrs 46 to complete the 26.4 mile course. Beautiful scenery and weather was kind. We weren't last either. 2 people behind us.

Some extracts from the Challenge’s web site describes it as …

•           “The most exciting trail running challenge in the ”

•           “Seven of the toughest courses in the ”

•           “The challenge requires preparation, commitment, strength and determination.”

Full information about the event(s) can be found at http://www.endurancelife.com/.

I am paying full costs for the event, travel and accommodation, so all funds raised for the Rainbow Centre will be passed directly to them. I hope that you will be able to support me. I look forward to sending you an update on how it’s going. Fingers crossed that the winter’s not too harsh.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you so much for your support

Caroline