Sarah and friends prepare for ultra-distance “Race to the Stones” charity event

Report by Don Hale

Sarah Fergie Hudson ran an amazing 31.07 miles (50k) last weekend as part of her endurance training programme for a demanding ultra-distance “Race to the Stones” charity challenge in early July along Britain’s oldest path, with two colleagues.

The North Wales Road Runner is preparing to run the ultra-event with friend Emma Vadhesha and Emma’s brother Mark Gasgcoigne, who are both raising money for Cancer Research, with the trio all determined to complete the 100 kms “straight through option run.”

The “Race to the Stones” is a live event scheduled for 10-11th July, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, and has been voted the UK’s Best Endurance event for the past three years.

Sarah confirmed: “I did a long run last Sunday, but this was just training. I am doing a 100 kms run next month, and I have another long run planned for the weekend, which will be about 34 miles (55k kms), and then I should be ready.

“I am really excited now, as Sunday was the first time I have ever run more than a marathon so it’s a huge challenge, but we have been training since February, building up, and doing long runs back-to-back, so we are ready.

“We have been practicing fuelling a lot too, so we can take on food along the way and so far, so good. I am hoping for good weather too, and that it’s a cool dry day!“

This popular endurance event allows people to run, jog or walk their chosen route, and offers numerous options, including completing the full 100 kms course, a 50 kms alternative, additional weekender camping facilities, plus the addition of charity and corporate entries.

Event organisers have invited entrants to conquer 100 kms (62.13 miles) along the Ridgeway, an historical trail that navigates Wayland’s Smithy, the famous Uffington White Horse, and Barbury Castle, before finally reaching the iconic Avebury Stone Circle.

The undulating course is packed with incredible scenery and includes Bronze Age Hill Forts, Neolithic burial chambers, and Roman river crossings, and follows in the footsteps of travellers from more than 5,000 years ago.

To obtain the full threshold experience, numerous pitstops are provided, all laden with food and drinks, plus an overnight basecamp if required, and tireless support from crew and medics, with everyone determined to help entrants every step of the way.

Sarah’s running colleagues, Emma and Mark, who I understand used to run for an Oxford athletic club, unfortunately lost their father to cancer last June, and are hoping that any money raised will go towards funding vital research, and to help increase cancer survival rates.

*If anyone is able to donate towards Cancer Research, please use the link below:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/emmas-giving-page-3267302

*For further details about Sarah’s ultra-event please check this link:
https://www.thresholdtrailseries.com/events/race-to-the-stones/