A Podington man is preparing to run 100 miles across Bedfordshire over a single weekend to raise funds for a local disability charity.
Paul Lockyer, 61, who serves as chair of trustees with Embrace and chair of Podington, Hinwick and Farndish Parish Council, will take on the RAB100 — Running 100 Miles Around Bedfordshire challenge during the first weekend of September.
County route
The route will take him from the north of the county through Biggleswade, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, and Woburn.
He will run more than a marathon a day for three days, hitting a first target of 87 miles at a reception at Brewpoint in Bedford before completing the final 13-mile stretch at the Bedford Running Festival half marathon on Sunday, 6 September.
Speaking about the challenge, Paul said: “An old bloke running a long way around our beautiful county is a bit daft and probably not to be encouraged.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time, to raise money for Embrace.”
Vital services
The initiative was inspired by Sara Cox’s Great Northern Challenge for BBC Children in Need, with funds directed specifically to families relying on services provided by Embrace.
Explaining the timing of the fundraising effort, Paul said: “Financial support from Bedford Borough and Central Beds councils to meet their legal obligations continues to be limited.
“Other similar charities have reluctantly withdrawn their offers this summer.
“Embrace has increased their services, doing everything they can to meet this essential need and some of the increased demand from families and their young people living with complex disabilities.”
Training preparation
Paul previously completed the London Marathon in 2021 and has undertaken multiple long-distance cycling trips.
Commenting on his current training routine, Paul said: “Preparation is so important for a multi-day challenge like this.
“The recent hot weather has not helped; the focus has been sun block and hydration. What are the chances of cold wind and rain in September?”
When sharing his plans with his family for what will be his toughest physical test, Paul said: “How hard can it be?”
Civic support
Community organisations across the county have backed the challenge, with several Rotary clubs pledging support alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
A Deputy Lieutenant even plans to join part of the run.
A number of local town mayors have offered support, while Bedford Borough Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative), deputy Cllr James Weir (Conservative), and local MPs have also been contacted.
Members of the public and businesses can support the fundraiser online at JustGiving.com/page/RAB100 or by contacting fundraising@embrace.org.uk.
