The Challenge
My name is James Lamb and I am fitness instructor working for Momentum Leisure Club in Sheffield. I have been a keen long distance runner for many years now, competing in many marathons and half marathons over the last 5 years including:
- Blackpool Marathon 2009
- Sheffield Half Marathon 2008, 2009, 2010
- Hell Runner Up North 2009, 2010
- Saab Saloman Challenge Sheffield 2010
- Liverpool Half Marathon 2008
I am currently participating in an advanced ultra running program in order to compete in a marathon over the Christmas Holidays. My intention is to continue in this vain of advanced endurance running into 2011. On the 29 and 30th of January I am proposing to run from Leeds to Sheffield via Bradford and Huddersfield. The route is approximately 50 miles and will take me two days to complete. The first day will see me leave from Momentum Leeds and make my way the short distance (10-15 miles) to Bradford for a brief visit. From here I will then continue a further 10-15 mile on to Huddersfield, where I will stay for the night
The following day will see me depart from Huddersfield and travel the 26 miles south to Momentum Sheffield to complete my double marathon.
The Opal Foundation
I have decided to donate all funds raised to the Opal Foundation and the work they do. The Opal Foundation is a charity which is dedicated to supporting underprivileged children in the UK and Africa, enhancing their lives and giving them opportunities that may not have been ordinarily available to them.
http://www.opal-foundation.com/
Support
Crucial to the success of the challenge and to ensure my safety throughout its duration I have decided it to be necessary to have a support vehicle at hand through the two days. This vehicle would provide essential hydration supplies as well as provide and medical assistance if required. They would also be responsible for transporting my equipment from the start of the run in Leeds to Huddersfield fort my over night stay and then on to Sheffield.
The Momentum Bradford Manager James Buckley has volunteered his time for this role on the first day and the Momentum Sheffield Club Manager John Travis has already expressed his willingness to perform this role for the second day from Huddersfield to Sheffield
The Route
I will begin the first leg of my journey by leaving Momentum Leeds and travelling west out of the city centre. Here I will join the A647 towards Bradford, continuing on this road past Bramley, Pudsey and Stannington. Once I reach the outskirts of Bradford I will continue on the A647 heading towards the City Centre. Once there I will have to navigate the city centre arriving at Momentum Bradford. (12 miles)
From here, my direction turns southwards towards Huddersfield. After negotiating my exit from Bradford City Centre I will follow the A641 passing through Brighouse and Brackenhall. Once on the outskirts of Huddersfield I will transfer to the A62, A629 and then onto Firth Street and Momentum Huddersfield. (13 miles)
My second day will begin with my departure from Momentum Huddersfield and straight onto the A629 towards Sheffield. The route will see me pass through Kirkburton, Penistone and Chapeltown before arriving at Momentum Sheffield. (25 miles)
Please Donate as much as you can, alternatively £1.00 will do !
