Sarah and colleagues complete 100 km ultra-distance cancer charity run

Report by Don Hale

Sarah Fergie Hudson and two of her close friends completed a demanding 100 km ultra-distance run last weekend as part of their charity fundraising campaign for cancer research.

The North Wales Road Runner completed the challenging “Race to the Stones” endurance event, which incorporated a fascinating route along Britain’s oldest path, and taking in numerous outstanding national landmarks.

This popular event allowed experienced entrants to run, jog or walk their chosen route, and offered numerous options, including completing the full 100 km course, a 50 km alternative, and/or with weekender camping facilities.

Event organisers invited entrants to conquer 100 km (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 was packed with incredible scenery and included Bronze Age Hill Forts, Neolithic burial chambers, and Roman river crossings, and followed in the footsteps of travellers from more than 5,000 years ago.

Numerous pit-stops were provided, and all were laden with food and drinks, plus an overnight basecamp, if required, together with incredible tireless support from crew and medics, with everyone determined to help entrants every step of the way.

Sarah, a nurse from Betws y Coed, ran with brother and sister friends’ team, Mark Gascoigne and Emma Vadhesha, with the trio opting to run perhaps the most demanding 100km, “Straight Through” Ridgeway event.

Running together Sarah’s finishing record confirmed they each ran 63.07 miles in an official time of 16 hours 23 minutes and 13 seconds.

Sarah was the 708th runner out of 1,228 finishers, and was also the 214th female runner.

Afterwards, and despite her exhausting efforts, Sarah said: “It was supposedly 100 kms but we actually ran about 101 kms, but who’s counting?

“This was my first ultra. It was so tough, but we did it. I absolutely loved it. What an amazing day. I just loved it. 100 kms along the Ridgeway done. And a huge thank you to the most amazing support crew ever.”

Sarah’s running colleagues, Mark and Emma, unfortunately lost their father to cancer last year, 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 the run and Cancer Research, please use the link below:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/emmas-giving-page-3267302