WHARFEDALE & AIREDALE OBSERVER

THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2008

Ultra distance runner heads for Commonwealth Championships
By Rachel O'Connor (photo by Alan Young)

OTLEY’S Chris Carver has become one of England’s top ultra distance runners despite battling ill health. Chris suffered from testicular cancer and then lung cancer which required two operations and a six months of chemotherapy but he has battled back and has now almost guaranteed his selection for next year’s Commonwealth Championships The event he plans to take part in is a 24 hour race to be held in Keswick next September. He secured his selection by finishing third in a 24 hour race in London and passing the tough qualifying standard of almost 140 miles (225 km).
On paper he should have finished fourth but three other runners had unexpected races. Jim Rogers and Ken Fancett should have beaten him but Jim developed a hip problem and Ken had a bad day. Irishman Eoin Keith spoilt the party with his fantastic run which beat the Irish records for 100 miles, 200km and 24 hours as he finished second.
Chris, who runs for Otley Athletic Club, is grateful to fellow club member Carl Walsh and his The Divan Centre in Leeds for showing tremendous faith in his abilities and agreeing to pay his travel and hotel expenses for the race in London.
Chris said: “I am sure there are other businesses who would like the opportunity to be associated with an international athlete. In return I would gladly wear their logo/name on my kit in races and training runs and put it on my website. I would be willing to do any promotional work/advertising they may require.
“Success could lead to lots of press coverage. Anyone who can help in any way should visit my website at thoughtsofanultrarunner.blogspot.com or ring me on 01943 468109”.
With the England team to be selected in June he now has the task of completing at least one ultra distance race in spring to prove his fitness and show the selectors that he is injury free.
He is looking to take part in a spring time European race and raise money for charity at the same time. Full details will be announced shortly but late April or early May seems to be most likely.