Super Humans

​The 7th March, saw Clive Finnimore completing an amazing 24 hour challenge. Clive along with other athletes, many who took part in the Eddie Izzard Challenge earlier in the year, this event was organised by Stephen Cousins. The challenge this time was to complete 100 miles in under 24 hours, this was done via Zwift the virtual running software where Avatars of the athletes represent real life runners on a treadmill. This 100 mile challenge virtually took place in Watopia, a fictitious location created within Zwift. Clive, who is an amazing runner and loves to take part in super human events, completed this staggering challenge of 100 miles in 21 hours 57 minutes. 

Last weekend, saw many of the Pioneers taking part in the Bath Virtual Half Marathon. As the actual event has been amended due to the current lockdown to be a virtual event, where athletes could sign up and take part in the half marathon in any location, as long as they conformed to social distancing rules. Many of the pioneers joined up with one another, Donna Gundry ran with Nina Bond, completing the run in 2:59:00. Other athletes who took part in the 13.1 mile run include Julie Gregory, Lynne Overd, Jay Wagstaff and Angela Harrison. For Kathy Saunders this was her first half marathon where she also raised an impressive £500 for Alzheimer's Society. For Becky Brewer this was also her first half marathon. This is an amazing effect, for all the athletes who took part. Keeping momentum during lockdown is both a physical and mental challenge. 

Phil Shepley, who has spent the last 30 days running the Looe 10 miler route to raise money for Firefighters charity. He wanted to raise £2000 for the charity but impressively due to his superhuman effort raised a staggering £3500 and the total is still growing. For the last 10 runs, he ran in his firefighter's golden uniform. This PPE uniform made from gortex to prevent the firefighters from getting burnt, also prevents heat from getting out of the suit. Making the runs much harder as the weather has become warmer, during the last week. During his daily 10 mile run, Phil has been joined by either a Looe Pioneer or a firefighter. On his last run, where he was joined by Christian Boyce to complete the 10 miler route. Also for support were fire fighters Ian Simpson and Jack Blackmore in the mini firefighters vehicle, known as Mule. Ian and Jack frequently provided freshments to the fellow firefighter whilst he was running. Peter Haywood also ran the route in support of Phil, changing position from running in front and running behind Phil to support him. Nina Bond and Donna Gundry also ran, keeping social distance between Phil and Christian, again supporting Phil to complete his last run. Along the route, as it is a well known run for all the pioneers, there were pioneers socially distancing, cheering and supporting Phil, providing water, and the odd Jelly Baby too.  

Mark Hewitt, Chief Fire Officer came to wish Phil all the best of luck in his last 10 miler route.