Jonathan's ultra-marathon is no long-distance picnic!
Ex trustee takes on and completes Race to the Stones Ultra Marathon to raise funds for LinkAble
Within the running fraternity it is said that ultra-marathons are a long-distance picnic with multiple pit stops and array of goodies available to participants. Not surprising when the average runner requires between 400 and 600 calories per hour during the event.
However, if you were to ask Jonathan Pressey what he thought about his recent achievement in completing the 2021 Race to the Stones Ultra Marathon he will tell you it was certainly no picnic. He says, 'I can’t say I enjoyed it, but few things in life have been more satisfying than reaching the finish.'
Jonathan's motivation to run the 100km route, that takes in the Ridgeway to the Avebury Circle, is personal. His son Marcus, now an adult, has benefited hugely from LinkAble's services over the years, and until recently Jonathan served as a volunteer trustee. A special mention should also go to Jonathan's wife Sue who acted as his support on the day. Taking on the roles of team manager, taxi-driver, medical consultant, chief carer, caterer, and photographer. In Jonathan's words 'She was irreplaceable'.
Rhys Parker, Fundraising and Communications Manager adds, 'We are all extremely grateful and proud of Jonathan's achievement in completing the challenge in 19 hours 28 mins 22 secs. Having started his training back in September 2020 it has been a massive undertaking on his behalf to train and fundraise for the event. Not only did Jonathan complete the challenge, he finished in the top half of his age group and has raised over £1,200 for LinkAble so far.'
When asked if he would run another ultra-marathon in the future Jonathan's reply was 'Probably not! The most important thing is of course the funding for LinkAble to which everyone has so generously contributed. I can’t say often enough how valuable their service is to people in our area with learning difficulties: every penny donated helps lighten the lives of people who can do little to help themselves.'
If you would like to donate towards Jonathan's challenge you can do so here.