Second World Record Attempt For Britain's Top Female 24 Hour Runner

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 07 Nov 2007 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

This November Sharon Gayter, from Guisborough, Middlesborough, is attempting to achieve her second world record, running over 820 km in just six days at the international event 'No Finish Line' in Monaco.

The course is a small 1 mile loop around the harbour in Monaco, and after 6 days the runner who has covered the furthest distance is declared the winner. The previous World Record of 510 miles is held by Catherine Cunningham and was set in New York in 2001. To beat it Sharon plans to run 100 miles in the first day and then 85 miles a day for the next 5 days of the challenge, meaning she will get a mere 4 hours sleep a night.

Sharon has proudly represented the country on at least 22 occasions and has won several medals at a national and international level. She has competed in over 700 races and done over 16,000 miles in racing alone. Sharon's first successful world record was running from Lands End to John O'Groats, 837 miles in 12 days, 16 hours and 22 minutes, beating the previous record holder Sandra Brown to the title by 18 hours.

Sharon will be donating all funds raised for this amazing challenge to Asthma UK, as for the past 15 years she has suffered from asthma. As the cold months and pollution trigger her condition, she has often been forced to pull out of races.

Sharon says 'After setting the World Record running from Lands End to John O'Groats it has inspired me to see what more my body can achieve. It would be fantastic to set a World Record at a standard ultra distance running event which is what the 6 day event in Monaco is all about. Having asthma does not stop you from achieving your goals, it may certainly restrict you at times but reaching the highest levels of sporting achievement is still possible. Supporting Asthma UK will help improve understanding about asthma and encourage people with the condition to take control and fulfil their potential'.

5.2 million people in the UK suffer from asthma and tragically this condition claims a life every 7 hours even though 90% of these deaths are preventable. The money raised by Sharon will help Asthma UK to fund vital research and provide services that make a big difference to the lives of people with asthma in the UK.

If you would like to support Sharon and help her raise money for Asthma UK there will be an account open at all branches of Darlington Building Society, who are covering Sharon's costs for the event and donating £150 to Asthma UK. Or you can give via their website at http://www.darlington.co.uk.

Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma.

http://www.asthma.org.uk