A Harrogate businessman hoping to raise £1 million for charity by running 66 ultra-marathons in 66 days has completed the final leg of his challenge at York Race course
A Harrogate businessman hoping to raise £1 million for charity by running 66 ultra-marathons in 66 days has completed the final leg of his challenge today at York Race course.
Andy McMenemy (49), the son of a former soldier, has run 31.07 miles (50km) on consecutive days in each of the 66 official UK cities to raise awareness and funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity that provides support for soldiers and their families during active service and beyond.
The experienced runner hopes to set a new Guinness world record which currently rests at 52 marathons. He began his epic challenge on the 16 March 2011 and ran his final leg today with Brigadier Greville Bibby OBE, Commander of 15 North East Brigade and York Garrison and 200 soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment, all of whom are based at Imphal Barracks, Fulford.
Speaking at the event, Andy said: “I can’t believe it’s all over. I’m thrilled that I have been mentally and physically strong enough to get through it, but I never started the challenge expecting to fail; I began knowing I’d always reach the finish line. I’ve had lots of highs and lows along the way. There have been days when I have felt physically sick at the idea of running for another six hours on tired legs, and sore muscles, with low morale. But on every one of those days it was the people who made the difference.
"I have met some truly inspiring people, who, despite their injuries, continue to have a zest for life and a great attitude. The whole experience has been really humbling, and I couldn’t have done it without the level of support from the public and the military which has been overwhelming throughout.“
Andy, who turned 50 today, was presented with a birthday cake from Brigadier Bibby before the race began. Having stuck to a strict alcohol ban throughout the challenge he is looking forward to drinking a cold pint of shandy this evening to toast the end of a remarkable journey.
Brigadier Jeremy Gaskell OBE, the ABF Regional Director of Fundraising in York said Andy’s accomplishment is incredible: "Andy set off on this challenge in North Yorkshire, so it seems very fitting that we welcomed him back for his final marathon. His attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for consecutive endurance marathons with no rest is a phenomenal feat of bravery and generosity. He has raised the profile of ABF around the country, and on behalf of ABF we are delighted he achieved his goal.”
Details of Andy’s marathons can be found on the Challenge66 website: www.challenge66.org . Donations can be made via the site or by texting the word ARMY to 70700