Runners run 48 miles in 48 hours for mental health charities

Runners posing for a photo before running 24 miles in 48 hours

Twenty-two runners ran 48 miles each over 48 hours to raise more than £12,000 for two mental health charities.

As part of the challenge, the runners ran for four hours every four hours – running through day and night with little to no sleep in between.

The runners, most of which are from Caerphilly, began the challenge at 4am on Friday, March 5 – before finishing 48 hours later.

In the process, they raised £12,765 for Brecon and District Mind and Tackle Your Thoughts – more than doubling the initial £5,000 target.

Before the challenge, runner Ben Davis said: “The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have negatively affected many people’s mental health and so we are performing this challenge to raise money and awareness of the importance of looking after one’s mental wellbeing.

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“The challenge seems a perfect fit given it will undoubtedly test each runner’s mental strength.”

He added: “If this challenge helps to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and gives somebody the confidence to speak out then our efforts have been a success.”

During the 48 hours, the runners mainly ran throughout Caerphilly town, Bedwas, Senghenydd and Abertridwr.

Nathan Dear, who took part in the challenge, said: “The first couple of times were ok, but we had to keep going overnight and that’s when it got tough.

“We would come home, have a shower or a cold bath, grab some food and we’d be straight back out again. There was no time for sleep.

“But it was really good. I’ve never done anything like this before but we all enjoyed it.

“I’m surprised we all completed it – some of the group had never ran like this before.”

He added: “Before the challenge we were different groups of friends but now we’re all a lot closer.”

To make a donation, visit JustGiving.com

Nathan Dear