Farnham Parents Target North Downs Way Record

 

On Thursday 25th June five Farnham people will set off on foot from Dover aiming to complete the North Downs Way in a new fastest time.
The 125 mile National Trail passes close to Folkestone, Ashford, Rochester, Sevenoaks, Caterham, Dorking, Guildford before reaching Farnham. The current record for the complete trail is four days. The Farnham team aim to smash this and cross the Farnham finish-line in 48 hours, on the afternoon of Saturday 27th June - in time for the Carnival celebrations.
This means completing the equivalent of five consecutive marathons in just two days.

The ambitious record breakers and their support team are all parents of children at St Andrew's Infant School in Farnham. They are undertaking this mammoth challenge to raise funds for the School's Project 2010 appeal. Hopefully, the new record will last until February 2010 when the School celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Farnham Record Breakers are [picture] Richard Hamilton, Kevin Davids, Richard Bousfield, Michele and Andy Taylor.

Challenge organiser Andy Taylor says “We got the taste for physical challenges last year with the Three Peaks. That was great and we were looking for another 'Wow!' closer to home. Setting this new record will be even harder than the Three Peaks, it's five times as far with only twice the time! Our training has been led by Mike and Unni of Optimum Fitness, it's been very tough but has prepared us for the Challenge ahead. There are weekly fitness sessions, weekly night walks of 10-16 miles around Farnham, and we've really stepped up the intensity of our training walks; most recently walking from Box Hill near Dorking to Farnham, and back."

Mary McGrath, Head Teacher at the school says "125 miles is easy to say but when you realise where they're going it really is a very long way. To attempt that in 2 days and all the training that entails is remarkable, especially when you consider that they all have careers and families. It is an incredible challenge and the school is very grateful for their energy, commitment and funds raised. We wish them the best of luck on this event and look forward to welcoming them back on Carnival day."

Tony Gowers North Downs Way National Trail Officer says "I would like to wish the Farnham team all the best in their record breaking challenge along the trail. Please support them and help them to raise money for such a valuable cause"
To support the Farnham Record Breakers visit www.justgiving.northdownsway-newrecord.
They have covered all expenses so every pound raised goes straight to the school.