RelayGB, a brand new charity fundraising event that will attempt to break the world record for distance relay running, is coming to Kent in May.
RelayGB is an ambitious challenge that will see hundreds of runners covering 3,100 miles in 119 non-stop, back to back marathons while raising £500,000 in aid of Brain Tumour UK.
The event, which is supported by adidas and AudioFuel, is taking place between 4 – 23 May 2012.
The route starts and finishes in London and will follow the coastline of Britain, taking in major cities such as Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. On the very first leg, RelayGB runners will pass through Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Denton near Folkestone and Brookland near Lydd, and you could be one of them.
RelayGB will attempt to break the current world record for distance relay running by approximately 1000 miles, which currently stands at 1,923 miles set by the ‘Gillette Phenomenal Tour’ in Romania in 2009.
Former London Marathon winner, and Invicta AC runner, Mike Gratton, will be running a marathon leg in RelayGB. Mike said: “I can’t wait to join the 700-strong team at RelayGB in May. This world record attempt is a massive challenge and in aid of a great cause – Brain Tumour UK.”
Runners of all abilities can take part and at least two of the six runners on each 26 mile leg will need to be able to run a marathon in under four hours.
Runners can enter as individuals or as teams doing a ‘relay within a relay‘ sharing the 26 mile leg. Corporate and running club entries are also welcome.
There is a £50 entry fee for individual runners and £80 for teams. Each runner will also be asked to raise a £1000 minimum sponsorship. The funds raised will go to Brain Tumour UK, the leading, caring charity committed to fighting brain tumours.
Once the route is completed and verified, everyone who runs will be able to say that they took part in a world record.
RelayGB Director, John Stanford, ran 20 marathons for Brain Tumour UK in 2010 and RelayGB is his current and biggest challenge yet.
John started fundraising for Brain Tumour UK after witnessing the devastating effects of the disease on his long-time friend and colleague, David Fryer who was diagnosed in 2005.
“It’s frightening seeing what David’s going through,” explains John. “It’s a constant battle with operations, chemotherapy and convalescence. It puts life and its problems into a sharp perspective.”
“Brain Tumour UK is working hard to get the resources that are needed to research more effective diagnostic and treatment options. We believe in their work, and we hope you do too.”
Former England cricketer and Brain Tumour UK Patron, Phil Tufnell is supporting the event. “I’m calling on the British public to dust off your trainers and join in RelayGB. This exciting new challenge event is your chance to take part in a world record attempt and help raise half a million for Brain Tumour UK. So sign up today.”
Jenny Baker, Chief Executive at Brain Tumour UK, said: “John’s energy, dedication and enthusiasm is amazing. We can’t thank him enough. RelayGB will be an epic and inspirational event and we are delighted that Mike Gratton will be part of the team too.”
Visit www.relaygb.org now to find out more and sign up. Register now for your chance to be a world record holder.