I turn 65 at the end of July and, to mark the milestone, I will match the years with miles and run 65 miles in a week shortly before my birthday. Most years I run the Tiree Ultramarathon, which is 35 miles, and I’ve walked a (very) long way, but I’ve never run this far day on day, so it feels achievable, but also a real challenge.
Donate
Cancer has affected several members of my family, work colleagues and dear friends over recent years, so I am running in aid of Cancer Research UK1.
To donate please visit my Just Giving page.
The Route
I will run the Taff Trail, a marked 55 mile route that runs from Brecon (Aberhonddu) over the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) then down the Taff Valley from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff (Caerdydd). To make up the other ten miles I’ll also do a loop of the Cardiff Bay Trail, and then a short run between Aberaeron and Llanerchaeron when I get home.
I’ll also be doing quite a bit of walking to and from train stations or where I’m staying to start/end locations … so total mileage will end up being at around 80 miles.
Day plans
| day | from | to | distance | total dist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 6th July | Brecon | Merthyr Tydfil | 26 miles | 26 miles | Yep, a marathon over the Beacons, but no obvious part way point :-/ |
| Monday 7th July | Merthyr Tydfil | Pontypridd | 15 miles | 41 miles | |
| Tuesday 8th July | Pontypridd | Llandaff | 10 miles (approx) | 51 miles | but take a break at Castell Coch |
| Wednesday 9th July | LLandaff | Cardiff Bay | 4 miles (approx) | breakfast at the Senedd cafe 🙂 | |
| Cardiff Bay | Penarth | 6 miles (approx) | 60 miles | Cardiff Bay Trail | |
| Thursday 10th July | rest day | ||||
| Friday 11th July | Aberaeron | Llanarchaeron (rtn) | 5 miles (approx) | 66 miles | YAY! |
Plan B — depending on weather or body, I could stretch the Taff Trail portion (Brecon–Cardiff) to take 4 days Sun-Wed and do Cardiff Bay Trail on the Thursday.
More …
I’ll add more information to these pages over coming weeks, and blog each day when I run.
More about …
- Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information. It funds research by scientists, doctors and nurses to help beat cancer sooner. It also provides cancer information to the public and develops evidence-based policy to inform Government decisions related to cancer and research.[back]