BHF launches 100km trek series
Melanie May | 29 December 2015 | News
The British Heart Foundation has launched its toughest supporter challenge yet: four new 100km fundraising treks, which take place in London and Edinburgh.
The long distance event covers 62.1 miles, with three of the treks taking participants out from London to the surrounding counties and the final trek challenging participants to walk from Glasgow to Edinburgh. All treks take on average 26 hours to complete.
The first trek takes place in May, and takes participants from London to Oxford. In June, supporters can take part in the London to Brighton trek, followed by London to Southend, and Glasgow to Edinburgh in July. The London events also offer 50k alternatives, and people can sign up to all of the events online.
Nancy Smyth, BHF head of events said:
“Our 100km treks are our most difficult challenge we have to offer our supporters. Over the 26 hours it takes most to finish, participants get to explore iconic routes in a way they never imagined, push themselves physically and raise essential funds for our life saving research.”
According to a survey commissioned by the charity to mark the launch of the treks, over half of Brits (53%) consider a marathon to be the toughest fundraising challenge, followed by cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and Iron Man. A 100km walk comes in at eighth place.
Top 10 toughest charity challenges:
1. Running a marathon
2. Cycling Lands End to John O’Groats
3. Iron Man
4. Mountain trek
5. Triathlon
6. Completing a one mile open water swim
7. Cycling 50 miles
8. Walking 100km
9. Tough Mudder
10. Sky dive
However, according to BHF ambassador Sir Ranulph Fiennes, a 100km walk is more challenging than it may seem. He added:
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“It is not surprising that a 100km trek is not considered a difficult challenge, as walking is something we do every day. However a long distance walk should not be underestimated. Walking nonstop for over 26 hours will not only put an incredible strain on your body, but walking through the night and through all types of weather will also push you to the limits mentally, so you need to be prepared.
The survey also revealed the age group most likely to take on such a challenge, and the main reasons for doing so. It showed that 16-24 year olds are most keen to take on a physical challenge (61%) for a charity. Connection to a charity was shown to be the biggest driver, with over a third (39%) citing this reason, closely followed by the desire to raise funds (30%), and personal achievement with 28% stating that they would sign up to improve fitness.
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.