A REDDITCH man will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime by running 40 x 5km park runs across 40 different English counties in just one weekend.
Roland ‘Riggie’ Rignall is doing his own unique ‘40/40 Challenge’ from April 20-22 which will see him run 200km – the equivalent of four and a half marathons.
The intrepid 36-year-old, who lives in Winyates, will start his journey in Lincolnshire, making his way through Yorkshire, down to London, across to Devon and then back to Redditch for 8pm on Sunday, April 22.
Riggie has completed 2,000km in training and is inviting other runners, local to the areas, to join him on the various park runs.
“I didn’t realise how many counties there were when I decided to take on this challenge!” he said.
“I wanted to do as many as I could so decided on 40. I will be finishing in Redditch where my family and friends will be waiting to cheer me on when I can hardly walk.
“I would like to say thank you to my wife Kelly for putting up with my hours of training and also to my support crew, John and Anthony, who will be with me.”
Riggie decided to he wanted to do something big to raise funds for a small dog rescue charity close to his heart.
Ruff Luck Rescue is a small non-profit dog rescue in Atherstone which takes in dogs from the pound and from people’s homes when they can no longer be cared for.
Riggie coaches Outdoor Physical Training in the area on weekends and used to volunteer at the centre with his wife and still visits when he can.
“I have an 18-month-old daughter and three dogs of my own so I don’t have as much time as I did to help out.
“The amazing staff and volunteers work so hard and I want to raise as much as possible.”
To find out more or donate, visit Ruff Luck Rescue online at http://www.ruffluckrescue.org/
