Latest news with #RacetotheStones
Leader Live
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
350km of 7 Ultras in 7 Days for Walk the Walk charity
Last month, Gynette Janney, from Hawarden and Lucy Cummins, from Essex, took on a 350km of 7 Ultras in 7 Days. They began their journey in Oxfordshire at Lewknor, ending in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, raising more than £3,000 for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. It is the second year the pair has taken on a week-long walking event, with their first challenge seeing them walk from Saltney to London. Gynette and Lucy at the start of Race to the Stones on day 1 of their 7 Ultras challenge. Gynette, 53, said: "I didn't think after last year's 7 Ultras in 7 Days we could re do it all again, but we did. "This year's event couldn't have been more different, with its own set of challenges. First of all, the unexpected heat on the first two days in England and then the pressure of getting to the airport on time after the second day, to fly out to Amsterdam ready for day three. Things were a little tight! Read more: Volunteers put the fun into fundraising for Wrexham charity "The latter stages of that day were quite hard too, as the route I'd planned was via woodland areas and cycle paths, which drained our batteries. "But with the help of some cyclists and following our noses, we made it to our destination. On days four to seven, we were walking 50km a day at the Nijmegen Marches, starting at 4am each day. Read more: Flintshire teenager completes Three Peaks Challenge in under 30 hours "We had wonderful help from not only Lucy's husband Andy, who delivered us to the airport, but also from family who cheered us on during the English legs and our friends Jane and Julie who helped us out no end in the Netherlands. "It feels amazing to have completed a second 7 Ultras in 7 Days and a little unreal in some ways. Thank you to everyone who supported us with messages and the sponsorship we have received has been amazing." Gynette and Lucy in the Netherlands on day 3 of their 7 Ultras challenge. Lucy, 58, added: "We had a really good week and received so many comments while we were walking, both in the UK and the Netherlands. "The challenge had been a year in the planning and we were thrilled to raise an amazing £3,000 plus for the fight against breast cancer. Read more: Wrexham man's bike trek boost raises over £6,000 for charities "It's remarkable that Gynette and I walk at the same pace, bearing in mind that we live at opposite ends of the country and don't get the chance to train together often - I simply couldn't have done this challenge without her, or without my husband Andy who was our chauffeur." • To sponsor Gynette and Lucy, visit: • For more information about Walk the Walk, visit:
Metro
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
I'm a surfing holy bishop who found my calling running ultra-marathons
A bishop has found a calling outside the church — hitting the terrain in gruelling ultra-marathons up to 100km long. The Right Reverend Dr Michael Volland is also a keen surfer when it comes to life away from his Church of England posting in Birmingham. His lengthy roll of endurance events includes the epic 100km Race to the Stones along the ancient Ridgeway and he is due to trade robes for running gear at Sunday's AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run. 'I like the sense of freedom that comes from just leaving your house and running down the street,' Dr Volland explained. 'I value the space to think and look around. 'After a run I often feel more mentally alert and have a sense of inner peace and calm. Running is a gift from God. It creates space to think, pray and be refreshed and it gives me a lot of joy.' The married father-of-three is training for his 17th ultramarathon alongside taking part in Sunday's event for 16,000 people of all ages and abilities. Away from the land-locked city, he loves surfing and has been a member of a charity called Christian Surfers UK for 30 years. The clergyman explained that exercise and his spiritual calling have more in common than might meet the eye. 'I'm generally more joyful when I find time to run,' he said. 'In that sense, running is essential to being a good bishop. 'People are sometimes surprised that I find time to run. 'Most people then tell me that they wish they could find time. 'I try and encourage them to choose to give it a try. 'You don't have to run far or fast. Even 20 minutes down the road and back can be a positive thing and will make a difference.' Dr Volland's first taste of running was through athletics at school. 'After that, I didn't really run until I was in my mid-40s, when I signed up for a half marathon,' he explained. 'While I was training for that I decided to sign up for an ultra-marathon. 'I completed my first three ultras the following year, including the 100km Race to the Stones.' Last year, when he became Bishop of Birmingham, he decided to sign up for the Great Birmingham Run half marathon. 'I thought it would be good to take part in an exciting mass-participation event that would also help me see a bit of the city and raise money for an important cause,' he said. 'It was a beautiful day and the atmosphere was superb. 'It was very well organised and there were lots of people supporting on the streets.' This year, Dr Volland is running the 13.1 miles to raise money for a charity called Thrive Together Birmingham. 'Thrive Together Birmingham does a brilliant job of supporting people on the margins,' he said. 'They bring together individuals and churches to address poverty and help communities to flourish. 'Because I believe that God loves Birmingham and the people who live here, I am committed to playing my part alongside others – including Thrive – in building a flourishing Birmingham.' While the bishop sees running as a gift from God, he will be leaving his cassock at home. 'I will be aiming for a reasonable time, so will be in my running gear and not my robes!' he smiled. More Trending The half marathon is part of a weekend celebration of running events being held in the city over the Bank Holiday weekend. On Saturday, children have the chance to run at the home of the city's Commonwealth Games heroics — the Alexander Stadium — in junior and mini runs. The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run half marathon and 10k are due to start on Sunday outside the Library of Birmingham and take in landmarks including the world-famous Jewellery Quarter before a grandstand finish in Smithfield. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Windrush Day: The moment my grandmother would never again call Jamaica home MORE: 'It all started from us': 50 years of sound system history at recreated family home MORE: We live yards from colossal HS2 building work – here's what we really think
