Daventry Ultramarathoner conquers Great Wall of China for Hope for Children

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 24 May 2018

UPDATED: 24 May 2018

Determined ultramarathon runner Chris Patterson from Daventry, has completed a 42km marathon across the Great Wall of China in just 6 hours. Chris tackled the race as part of his personal challenge to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for international children’s charity Hope for Children.

During the gruelling Great Wall Marathon – which has been described as one of the world’s most challenging long-distance races – the 35-year-old climbed more than 5,000 steps, tackling steep ascents and descents on the historic landmark amid stunning scenery.

It is the 18th marathon completed by Chris this year – a senior estimator with Wantage-based construction firm Stepnell – through his 52 in 52 challenge which began in January with the 42km Endurance Life marathon in Anglesey.

He has since run marathons at destinations including Gran Canaria, Malta, Rome and Barcelona.

This isn’t Chris’ first fundraiser for Hope for Children – in 2016, he ran the Marathon des Sables, a 264km race across the Sahara Desert, as well as raising money for the charity through the Great North Run and the London Marathon in 2017.

“I found myself needing another big challenge to motivate myself, so 2018 became the 52 in 52 challenge,” explains Chris.

“This seemed to be the most I could do whilst still working full-time. My employer’s at Stepnell have been really supportive, spreading the word and sponsoring me.

“52 in 52 gives me another great opportunity to raise money for Hope for Children which does some really important work across the world, educating children, empowering their families and helping them to improve their health and wellbeing.”

Chris adds:

“The Great Wall was a really tough challenge with hot and humid conditions and so many stairs, but I really enjoyed having the chance to look around at the amazing scenery. I can’t believe that I’m already a third of the way through this challenge. Up next is the Edinburgh marathon this weekend. 

If you want to help Chris raise money for Help for Children, just visit his funding page at:   https://h4c.everydayhero.com/uk/52-marathons-in-52-weeks. To check in on his progress, search ‘Kip does 52 in 52’ on Facebook, or ‘kip_patterson’ on Instagram.

 

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