Under embargo until: 1 May 2008
World record challenge for York runner
York resident, Michelle Atkins will be attempting to run not one, but ten marathons in ten days, between 9 May and 18 May 2008. The challenge has never been completed by a woman. Michelle used the London Marathon as a “warm up” and has been nicknamed “Our Bionic Woman” by her colleagues.
The Brathay 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge will take place on an accurately measured UK Athletics certified marathon course and prove to be a stern test of not only physical, but also mental endurance. The course is a challenging route around Lake Windermere, with many hills: running it ten times in succession equates to an exhausting 262 miles. Michelle will be the youngest woman and least experienced of the three women and eight men taking part in the challenge.
In preparation, Michelle has been training six times a week, clocking up 768 miles in just four months. She used the London Marathon as a training run, looking for a steady time of five and half hours, but her finish time was under five hours. Michelle said: “The pace has to be very carefully controlled during the marathons to ensure when you wake each morning that the body can face a further 26.2 punishing miles. It will be like Groundhog Day. My running club colleagues at the York Knavesmire Harriers have given me a lot of support and kept me going on the long training runs.”
On her York roots, Michelle said: “I am proud to be flying the flag for York, having lived in the city all my life. I attended the Joseph Rowntree School and for the last 25 years I have worked for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, who are supporting me in the challenge. Work colleagues, family and friends are coming to support, shout and keep me going on the last few marathons. By that time I may be on my knees and crawling but I won’t give up.”
Julia Unwin, Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “We know that Michelle has commitment and determination as she’s been with the Foundation for such a long time. We’re confident Michelle will rise to the challenge of ten marathons in ten days. Good luck Michelle.”
Money donated will go to Brathay Hall Trust, who work with over 5,000 children and young people each year to help them overcome difficulties arising from their personal and social circumstances, and give them the skills to make positive choices about their behaviour.
You can make donations to Michelle at www.justgiving.com/madmichelle or telephone 01904 765912.
Notes to editors
- Participants from the UK, Ireland and Canada are competing in this gruelling challenge. For further information visit www.brathay.org.uk.
- To arrange an interview please contact Michelle on michelle.atkins@jrf.org.uk or telephone 01904 765912 (after 7pm) or 01904 615905 (8am – 5pm)
