We came. We saw. We blistered

 

Just over a week ago, Simon McIlroy, Jonny Barber and I completed The Wall Run, a 69-mile cross-country ‘ultra’ run in under 24 hours.
Starting in Carlisle at 07:00 Saturday 23 June, the course weaved along Hadrian’s Wall, but thanks to the constant Northern-Monsoon downpour (prompting flood warning throughout the area), the running was wet wet wet.

Ever the optimists, our pace was rapid and a finish time of 17-18 hours looked achievable. After the first marathon mark was passed, that rapid pace was unsustainable, as blisters took hold and near the half-way mark an injury slowed the march forward.

Vindolanda Roman Fort was our halfway stopping point for water, easily digested lunch and huge support from our travelling fans. 800+ runners took part in the race, with the Challenger and Relay runners camping overnight to continue from here on Sunday. Foolishly, we signed up with 200 other nutters to the Expert category (an ironic title, being quite certainly the only ‘experts’ to have a good-luck beer the night before). This category requires the entire distance to be completed within 24 hours; no rest for the wicked! After a physio massage and words of caution, we tackled the next 35 miles at a walking pace, beginning with a vertical ascent of the nearby hill through muddy bracken. Not ideal.

The last checkpoint before nightfall was Hexham at 8-9pm. Tired but not yet truly knackered (that will come) we stocked up on bananas, coffee and water. We were reliably informed by our supporters that “army-looking men with tattoos and muscles were on the ground crying and resting for 30-45 minutes”. Fleeting grins were replaced by a cruel realisation: the next 17 miles would see night fall and morning come without a break.

Our last stretch into Newcastle was more of a daze than a sprint. As the runners behind us gradually dropped out, we became the last in our category, granting us a medical escort by the race ambulance. We mocked their concern and triumphantly crossed Millenium Bridge to finish with a time of 23:57:30.

Medal > celebration pint > taxi > cold shower > bed > full english breakfast. Now for a gradual return to normal life and walking without a cane.

All the donations so far have gone to Headway, the brain injury charity. Their remarkable work raises awareness and cares for brain injuries. This gruelling race was run in memory of Alex Richardson, a great friend of ours. A little more information about the big man himself can be seen below.

We have achieved our fundraising target, but any extras would be wonderful. We would like to thank everyone for their hugely generous donations. In particular, we would like to thank Morgan Kindberg, Harriet Gray, Lexie Cruden, Veronica Barber, John & Flavia Clarke, Francesca, Alick and Frankie Grieve for their priceless support along the route. It made a huge difference.

We are now training for long intensive weekends in the pub.

Cheers!

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Alexander Richardson was an inspiration to all who knew h im, and an embodiment of positive thinking and 'joie-de-vivre'. In 2009 a tragic accident carried him away at the young age of 21.

This is charity which is very close to our hearts (and heads). His parents Chris and Annie Richardson along with their daughter Emma are all very involved with Headway. Alex was also on the NHS National Organ Register (which everyone should join) so he does quite literally "lives-on" through 4 people. Please visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

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