Special 24-hour track challenge for Ukraine appeal.

Special 24-hour track challenge for Ukraine appeal.

Report by Don Hale.

Dozens of local runners of all ages and abilities took part in a special 24-hour track ‘Run for Ukraine’ fundraising appeal, organised by Cybi Striders last weekend.

Staged on the Treborth 400-metre athletic track, near Bangor, event organisers welcomed anyone and everyone to take part, with entrants invited to run as many, or as few laps as possible for a donation, and as part of a unique challenge, which began at 9 am on Saturday morning and continued until the same time on Sunday.

A club official confirmed: “We are a small Anglesey based running club who like so many have been appalled to see the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine unfold. This 24-hour run is our way of showing support and raising much needed funds for the people of Ukraine.”

Kay Hatton and Cheryl Frost from NWRRC, ran together for about 30-minutes and completed nearly 4-miles around the track, and amazingly they completed their task within minutes of finishing the Conwy parkrun.

Kay Hatton later said: “It was a real fun event organised by Cybi. They had chipped batons to count the number of laps done by each person, so a total distance could be recorded. They were also recording the total amount collected.

“Anyone could turn up for their half-hour slot and start at any time. There were runners and walkers, young, and not so young! Kev, the organiser was there for the 24-hours, and was hoping to run 20 mins in every hour.”

Club colleague Helen Hannam also helped the appeal but opted to run her leg virtually from Rhos on Sea to Colwyn Bay and ran just over 3-miles in her half-hour spell. Helen put in a tremendous effort especially as it was less than a week after running in the Manchester marathon.

Nic Brook and his partner Gemma Brown also ran around the Treborth track with Nic recording 7.71kms in 29.48, and Gemma 7.66kms in 31.13.

*At the time of writing over £3,000 had been raised for this important appeal but further donations may be made via this link: https://my.raceresult.com/196690/live