The Challenge

I’m attempting a Backyard Ultramarathon on the 11th of July to raise money for Heal Rewilding.

In a backyard ultra, runners complete a 4.2-mile loop (6.7km) every hour. If you don’t start the next loop on time, you’re out. Kinda like the marathon version of a bleep test. The race continues until only one person is left. I’m aiming to win — which could mean running well over 100 miles (117 miles won last year).

The Why

I chose to raise money for Heal Rewilding for a personal reason.

At university, I struggled a lot with my mental health, like many of us. Nature became my support system.

Green spaces, running, and simply watching wildlife helped me get better. It helped me find a purpose and reconnect with something bigger than myself.

Conservation protects our wildlife and landscapes, but it also protects people. Access to healthy ecosystems improves mental wellbeing, reduces stress, and gives many of us somewhere to breathe when life becomes overwhelming.

Heal Rewilding's purpose is to raise money to buy ecologically depleted land across England and rewild it. Heal also work with the NHS and ecotherapy organisations to allow patients access to green spaces and outdoor activities, helping the nation to become more connected and less lonely.

Support

I’ll be sharing live updates throughout the race on my Instagram @amir.cat23 🏃🏽‍♂️

If you’d like to support both the challenge and the restoration of Britain’s wild places, I’d be grateful for any donation or promotion.