A MONMOUTH man is to take on a 75-mile ultra marathon for the second time this weekend, raising money for the MS Society.
David Mather, who runs with Spirit of Monmouth Running Club and has completed 11 marathons, attempted but failed to finish the Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon last year.
The event, which starts at 5am on Saturday (23rd June), gives participants a maximum of 24 hours to complete the gruelling challenge, which starts and finishes in Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula, with checkpoints and aid stations along the scenic route.
The event has become increasingly popular since first being run in 2015, with runners travelling from as far away as Holland, France and Israel.
“It starts in Pwllheli and it’s a beautiful coastal route, but very tough with about 9,000 feet of climb and a strict 24 hour limit,” David says. “I’ve never completed a race longer than a marathon but this year I’m hoping to get added motivation by raising sponsorship for my wife’s favourite charity.
“Debbie is a huge support to me, and she’s the coordinator of the Monmouth and Abergavenny MS Society, so it’s a particularly personal and worthy cause.”
David will also be taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon in the autumn, which he will also be running for the MS Society.
To donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/88milesforms