A race with no end for Childline
Daniel O'Keefe is raising money for ChildLine
Story
At 10am on 5th of April I will be lining up with others at the start line of the Medieval Backyard Ultra. No one will know when the race will end.
A backyard ultra is a relatively new race format where competitors run a set lap (or yard) of 4.1miles (6.7k). Each lap starts on the hour. If you don't make it back to the start line in time for the beginning of next lap then your race is over. Everyone who makes it back in time can carry on. As a relatively competent runner each individual lap shouldn't pose any significant issues. The challenge will come as the event progresses and fatigue, tiredness, injury, and lack of sleep all become factors.
Races have been known to last for days before ultimately one person is left alone on the course to complete the final lap and become the sole finisher for the event.
I want to use this event to raise money for Childline where I am a regular volunteer. I usually spend an evening each fortnight talking to children and young people about what is happening in their lives.
My shift starts around 7pm and finishes at 11pm. In that time I talk to children on the phone and via online messages. Many of the contacts are from young people who are experiencing difficulties and are looking for support.
Childline is available 24hours a day, every day of the year and so as I run my laps I will know that at all times there will be children using the service.
All being well, my race will see me running through the night and into the next day. Through the dark hours in Cosmeston country park (within a mile from my house so almost literally my own back yard) I will be thinking of the young people also awake, unable to sleep for very different reasons who are being supported by Childline volunteers.
On average, a child contacts Childline every 45 seconds. Childline is a vital support for so many young people but it relies on donations and volunteers to continue.
My ambition for the race is simple. To keep going when things get tough and see what happens. I am fortunate in knowing that ultimately my race will end. If it gets too hard then I can stop and go home, knowing I will be safe and supported. Not everyone has that choice.
https://www.gertlushevents.co.uk/the-medieval-backyard-ultra
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https://www.gertlushevents.co.uk/the-medieval-backyard-ultra