George’s marathon circuit for children
Mar 26 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal
RUNNING a marathon is a lifetime achievement.
It is an even mightier feat if just three years earlier you were overweight and a smoker.
But George Russell, who has already run two marathons, hopes to extend his run of success even further by completing 10 marathons in 10 days.
The father of three, from Brockwade, Leam Lane Estate, Gateshead, is training for an international charity challenge which will begin on May 9 in the Lake District.
Every day for 10 days he will complete a 26-mile route around Lake Windermere to raise money for children’s charity Brathay Hall Trust.
George, 40, said: “I used to run at school but gave up when I started going out to pubs and stuff.
“But when I was 37 I was inspired to do the Great North Run. After that I just couldn’t stop, and I’ve done the London Marathon and the New York Marathon since.”
George, a floor layer for Team Valley-based FPL Flooring, runs 75 miles around Gateshead every week to keep fit.
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings he joins members of the 150-strong Low Fell running club for training sessions.
He said: “I am nervous about the challenge, but I’ve been looking for this kind of opportunity for a while now.
“Running 260 miles in 10 days is a lot but we have a team of trainers, physiotherapists and medical experts with us.”
This is the second year that the event, called the Brathay Challenge, has taken place. Last year eight athletes from around the world took part.
Runner Brian Meakin, whose times were the fastest overall, was awarded a world record for completing the most marathons on consecutive days.
Runners must raise £2,000 to take part, and George has been given a headstart by his employer, which is pledging £100 per marathon.
George said: “I can’t wait to take part. Since I began running again I have a whole new lease of life. My mother had a bad heart, and it made me think about my health.
“I realised that if I carried on drinking and smoking the way I was, I would end up being ill and unhealthy.
“I jump out of bed in the mornings now.”
Anyone who wants to sponsor| George can do so by visiting www.braythaychallenge.co.uk
