The Summer Challenge

It's that time of year again when I set myself a list of daft / exciting running challenges.

Rather than the one big event, I've gone for a series of interesting races

Mile A Day May - I am running a minimum of 1 mile, every day of May, with an aim to reach 100 miles by the end of the month

5ks in 3 States - I shall be nipping across borders while in the US to run a 5k in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan

Sunburst Half Marathon - I was supposed to run this race in 2020. COVID put a hold on that but I am now heading to South Bend (Indiana) to complete it!

Oresund Bridge Run - I will be running from Copenhagen Denmark) across the Oresund Bridge (over the sea) to Malmo (Sweden)

Giants Head Half Marathon - A week later I shall be taking on the hills in Dorset. Mostly, so that I can earn a medal that has a giant with a spinning willy!!

New Forest Half Marathon - My annual "Run For Mum" in the wonderful New Forest

Berkeley Marathon - Currently my scariest event of 2025. A self sufficient and self navigating Marathon..... My navigation skills are appalling so this one worries me as I could easily end up running much further (or getting disqualified!!!) as I get lost in Gloucestershire

I am sure there will be other daft ideas along the way, which I am keen to embrace to raise money for some great charities.

The aim is to raise, at least, £200 for each of these charities (utilising Go Fund Me and work £ for £ scheme)

Supershoes - £200 will create two pairs of bespoke trainers for children diagnosed with cancer. They have helped three of my friends and are a wonderful charity

Genies Wish - £200 will be enough to grant a child a wish

Oakhaven Hospice - £200 will be enough to buy two dementia friendly clocks for the hospice

SCARF - £200 will help this New Forest based charity to arrange an event or facilitate activities for children with additional needs

Great Ormond Street Hospital - They recently provided a lung transplant and heart operation (with pacemaker) for my friends 11 year old daughter. She had been on the waiting list for a transplant for a few years so this is my way of thanking them on behalf of my friends.