Pictured above: (l-r) Neil Caswell, from Chase
Harriers, Ian Hogg, manager of Poundland in Cannock, Paul Scullion,
from Chase Harriers, Yvonne Nicholls, from Chase Harriers, Alastair
Payne and Rob Griffith, from Chase Harriers
Super-fit Staffordshire businessman Alastair Payne exceeded his
own expectations as he took part in a 145 mile ultra-run clocking a
phenomenal time on his way to raising around £7,500 for
charity.
Despite running one of the toughest race routes imaginable for
charity - a 145 mile run across a canal network from Birmingham to
London - Alastair completed the non-stop two day run last weekend
in an incredible 31 hours and 30 minutes.
Alastair had hoped to run the route of The Grand Union Canal
race between 32 and 36 hours.
But with a little help from his friends who ran stretches of the
canal route with him Alastair managed to clock up the amazing time
which is the 11th fastest time in the official Grand Union Canal
Race Hall of Fame.
Alastair, owner of the bank bar and lounge, in Wolverhampton
Road, ran the race route last Saturday and Sunday (June 25 and
26).
He was supported by many friends and family members including
Cannock Poundland manager Ian Hogg and his best friend and running
partner Dave Hicks.
Athletics club Chase Harriers deserve particular praise for
their efforts to support Alastair by supplying runners to accompany
him throughout the duration of the run and also by helping out at
water and food stations.
The official race took took place on May 28 and 29 but
unfortunately Alastair missed out when lots were drawn earlier this
year.
Disappointed but not disheartened a determined Alastair decided
to run the race himself a month later. The run started in the heart
of Birmingham and finished in Little Venice, London.
Alastair had to run through searing 90 degree heat on Sunday and
his challenge nearly came to an early end on the Saturday as he
felt dizzy and unwell after 48 miles.
But after a food and drinks stop he replenished his energy and
was focused for the duration of the race even clocking up 45
minutes for the last six miles.
As well as far exceeding his own personal expectations Alastair
has raised around £7,500 for St Giles Hospice although a
final figure has yet to be finalised as money is still coming
in.
Alastair, who lives in Hednesford, has completed seven marathons
including the New York Marathon and the London Marathon five times.
His best time was an incredible 2 hours 45 minutes. He is also a
top amateur cyclist and has cycled 100 miles taking part in The
Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride.
Alastair, aged 44, said: "It really was a fantastic weekend. I
did exceed my expectations in terms of the time I completed the
race route in. I had set myself a time in between 32 and 36 hours
but completed it in 31 hours 30 minutes so I was absolutely
delighted.
"What was so poignant and special for me was the tremendous
support I received from friends and family. My running partner Dave
Hicks has been unwell recently but still managed to complete 20
miles and Ian Hogg, manager of Poundland, ran the last 25 miles
with me. It was a real team effort. Members of Chase Harriers
running club were absolutely tremendous. They had organised
themselves like a military operation and supplied runners to
accompany me throughout the run so I was never on my own. They were
absolutely brilliant and I can't thank them enough. I was never
alone during the run even as we ran through the night.
"My family and friends helped out on the drink and food
stations. It was quite overwhelming to get to the finish line and
to see them all there with banners welcoming me. It really was an
unforgettable day.
"I also want to thank the many people who sponsored me. I
haven't got a total amount yet but I believe I will have raised
around £7,500 for St Giles Hospice. Thank you to everyone who
donated."
People who would like to make a donation to Alastair's charity
run with proceeds going to St Giles Hospice can do so by visiting
www.justgiving.com/145ultrarun