Karen Hurrell

Hurrell attempting 10 marathons in as many days.

Dagenham 88 Runner Karen Hurrell is set to participate in one of the most daunting endurance runs – the Brathay Windermere 10 in 10.

Along with 18 other individuals, she will embark on a 262-mile challenge that manifests itself in the form of 10 marathons over 10 consecutive days.

The challenge is scheduled to start in Ambleside, Cumbria on May 11 and the 
48-year-old will follow in the footsteps of fellow Dagenham 88 runner Amanda Heslegrave, who ran the event last year.

Hurrell admitted it was an event she had thought about competing in for some time.

“I know a few people who have done the race in the past, so there is a lot of advice available,” she said.

“I had thought about doing the race before and questioned the commitment it would take, but now I feel I am ready for the challenge.”

Hurrell has been picking up the mileage of late as she steps up her bid to be ready for the challenge in May.

“Last year was the most mileage I have ever done and it is important to increase the mile count, with a number of races now under my belt,” she added.

Hurrell, will be running in memory of her mother who passed away in May 2011, and admitted this will spur her on even more.

“When I ran my first marathon, it was in memory of my father, and I was proud to have done it for him, and now after my mother’s passing last year I will be pushing myself all the way in order to complete it,” said Hurrell.

Having been with the club for three years and competed in two marathons in two days before, she admitted this will be her toughest challenge.

“It is quite good to try and test yourself over a period of time and I have done two in two before now.

“You have to do multiple days to prepare for an event like this and hopefully I can stay fully fit between now and when the event starts.”

Hurrell will pound the roads around Windermere in order to raise much-needed funds for Brathay Trust, a national charity that inspires young people to become successful, confident and responsible citizens.

“At first I thought raising funds to compete in the race would be difficult, but that has gone well,” she added.

“I felt that was going to be the hardest part, but it is great to be supporting the charity.

“It does great work, and though it is a small charity, the work it does is fantastic and I am only too happy to raise funds for the charity.”

Brathay Trust spokesman and Race Director, Scott Umpleby said: “It’s not only a tremendous physical challenge, due to the undulating course, but will also test their mental strength to the full.

“The ‘Groundhog Day’ effect of running the same course, day-in day-out, has seen some of the finest runners fail to complete the challenge in the past.

“Karen will have to push herself to the very limit of physical endurance if she is going to complete the course.”

You can sponsor Karen and support Brathay Trust by making a donation at:

www.justgiving.com/kazzaaaaah/