WORKSOP GUARDIAN

Friday 29 May 2009

Harriers helped Chris Carve way to London

The Worksop Harriers were part of an epic run for charity on Saturday.

Two of the club's runners provided a guard of honour to Otley man Chris Carver, as he ran from his home to London, a distance of 218 miles.

The ultra runner passed through Worksop on his way to the capital, and the Harriers' John Harrison wanted to help out.

He said: "Chris was someone we were aware of from 24 hour races that our own Steve Battle was taking part in."

"He emailed us looking for sponsorship, but because he was actually passing through Worksop I felt we could do a bit more than that."

Runners Caroline McGinley and Steve battle accompanied for 22 and 31 miles respectively.

John and Caroline's husband Alan were in a support vehicle, giving Chris anything he needed.

The Harriers picked him up at Conisborough at 4.20pm and were with him until 11.20pm, where they left him at Southwell.

John said: "He had put in an enormous amount of planning, working out exactly what he needed and when."

"So we drove ahead and directed him, and kept him topped up with water and fed him at regular intervals."

The Otley runner reached London at 6am on Monday morning, 45 hours after he began.

The run was in aid of Orchid, a charity that fights male cancers.

John added: "It must be a cause very close to his heart, he's had numerous operations for cancer and has had half a lung removed, so his achievement is remarkable."

Chris expressed his gratitude to the Harriers, saying: "Thanks to the members of Worksop Harriers for all their help with this."

"John Harrison seemed especially good at crewing for ultra runners, he was brilliant."