Local councillor completes 86-mile endurance run

A DILTON Marsh parish councillor has completed an epic 86-mile trail run in under 28 hours.

William Johnson, who has been on the council since September 2015, took part in the Ridgway Challenge aiming to raise £500 for The Brain Tumour Charity, but the total amount raised is now close to £1,000.

“I chose to support The Brain Tumour Charity as we know family and friends who have suffered and are suffering with brain tumours,” he said.

The 86-mile course took William along the Ridgeway National Trail, a 5,000-year-old trackway through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs, starting at Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring and ending at Avebury Stone Circle.

“Conditions were tough, 2,000 metres of ascent and 30 degree heat during the days, but I managed to cross the line with 20 minutes to spare.

“I started at 10am on Saturday and finished 27.5 hours later at 1.40pm on Sunday afternoon.

“My feet blistered badly after 50-ish miles so I had to walk/hobble the final 36 miles. There were times when I questioned whether I could do it. But one of the things that kept me going was the realisation that everyone who has a tumour, has a far tougher challenge than the one I was facing.

“I want to say a huge thank you for all the support, donations and well wishes.

“I’m already thinking of my next challenge and there are a few that I am interested in; 69 miles along Hadrians Wall, a 52.4-mile race to the tower along the Cotswolds way or the 50-mile Mendip Marauder Frome to Weston Super-Mare. These are all next year so I have plenty of time to think about it – and let the blisters heal!

To donate to the Brain Tumour Charity, visit William’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fund raising/william-johnson5