On the 17 of September 2011seasoned expeditioner Darren Tharme will be running the entire length of Dorset, from Lyme Regis to Barton on Sea, within 24 hours.  The route will take him through 110km, (68 miles) of coast and countryside, seeing him ascend and descend over 1000m during the run.  Running across the width of Dorset has never been attempted before in one day.

Luckily, Darren will be supported in this venture by 171 Squadron Christchurch Air Training Corps, for whom he is raising sponsorship towards their adventurous training and sports fund.

171 Squadron ATC is part of the Air Cadet Organisation and is supported by the Royal Air Force.  With over 41,000 cadets the Air Cadets is one of the country’s premier youth organisations, supported by a volunteer staff of nearly 10,000.  However individual squadrons are mainly self funded, and this is especially the true in the case of adventurous training and sports.

The run will also be raising funds for another worthy cause, the Royal Air Forces Association.  The Royal Air Forces Association, (RAFA), supports servicemen, the families and of serving personnel and veterans. Whether it’s an injured airman fighting to get back onto his feet, a young daughter missing her parent away on overseas operations or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, RAFA are there to help.

Darren has completed many expeditions including climbing Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and throughout the Alps, as well as numerous sea kayak expeditions, including over 400 miles solo in a sea kayak around the south coast.

The event will be covered by the local press and media, as well as featuring in the Air Cadet magazine and website, as well as on the RAFA website.  Darren and the support team will also be wearing sponsors logos on their team shirts.

For more details or an interview, please call Darren directly on Tel: +44 (0)7708758141, or email dorsetultramarathon4rafa@live.co.uk

For details of 171 Squadron ATC visit www.christchurchaircadets.co.uk

For details of the Royal Air Forces association visit www.rafa.org.uk Charity Number: 226686

Yours sincerely,

Darren Tharme and the 171 Squadron Team