Ultra-marathons challenge ends with 21-hour feat

Philly Hare, who is a director of the national social enterprise Innovations in Dementia, set herself a huge challenge for 2017 – to complete a series of three off-road ultra-marathons of 30, 54, and 64 miles.

The final event involved running from Guisborough to Saltburn and then along the Cleveland Way to Filey.

Philly, who has been running for about seven years, had hoped to complete the challenge in under 18 hours, but eventually took 21 hours, including nine hours by the light of a head torch.

Grappling with very muddy conditions underfoot, and with a total ascent of 3,500 metres, she arrived at the final checkpoint in Filey at 5.15am. She was supported by a team of friends from Pickering Running Club and by her husband Tim.

Philly said: “The coast path has stunning views but also many sets of steep steps up and down, including the famous 199 steps in the middle of Whitby.

“I am really delighted to have completed this challenge. It hurt a lot of course, but that has started to fade now and I’m so proud that I kept going.

“Water Aid is a brilliant charity as it provides clean toilets and water for the millions who don’t have access to these facilities.”

To donate to Philly’s cause visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/philly-hare.