Between the 14th June and the 17th June 2018 the team at O’Donnell Solicitors took what Sports Tour International describes as the ‘Ultimate Running Challenge’. James O’Donnell, Anthony Jones, Suzzanne Gardener and Claire Kinder embarked on the Tour of Tameside, a 4-day endurance running event at various venues around Tameside. They were also joined by Rebecca O’Donnell, Claire Egerton and Louise Howles on the final day for the Dr Ron Hyde 7.
Day 1 – X-Trail 10k (6.2 Miles)
The first run on the Thursday evening was an X-Trail 10k around Park Bridge and Daisy Nook. This was an off-road run which took runners through scenic areas. The route contained several inclines before several sets of steps just after the 9km mark to really test our stamina and which set the scene for the coming days ahead. There was a great atmosphere throughout the run and many local residents came out in support.
Finish Times:
Anthony Jones – 00:52:22
James O’Donnell –00:59:16
Suzzanne Gardener – 01:03:37
Claire Kinder – 01:10:22
Day 2 – ‘Hell on the Fell’ (6 Miles)
The second run took place the following day on the Friday evening, named very appropriately as ‘Hell on the Fell’. This was a 6-mile race which started at Walkerwood Reservoir before leading onto Brushes Road and then up towards Copley Fell. The assent up the Fell was steep and challenging for even the best of runners, but the team kept going, before making a steep decent down towards Copley Leisure Centre.
Finish Times:
Anthony Jones – 00:57:43
James O’Donnell – 01:06:05
Suzzanne Gardener – 01:11:15
Claire Kinder – 01:23:42
Day 3 – Hero Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)
After a mere 12 hours to recuperate, the third run took place on Saturday morning at 10am. The race started at Rough Field in Padfield (Glossop) before heading onto the Longendale Trail. The route was mainly flat, with a slight incline in the first mile through the village. The runners then headed back down the Longendale trail to the finish line, not before a sneaky steep incline at the end. Again, there was a great atmosphere, at the weather was much cooler than the 25 plus degrees last year which was very much welcomed by the runners.
Finish Times:
Anthony Jones –01:54:43
James O’Donnell –02:17:27
Suzzanne Gardener – 02:38:42
Claire Kinder – 02:53:33
Day 4 – Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race (7 Miles)
The final run took place on Sunday morning being a 7-mile run around Hyde and the surrounding area. The race started at Hyde Town Hall before passing through Hattersley and onto Mottram Road. The route then passed by Hyde Football Club and Hyde Leisure Pool before heading back to the Town Hall where there was a mass of support from family, friends and local residents. Throughout the route there was much support from local residents who came out to cheer on the runners and to encourage them to ‘keep going’ on the hills.
Finish Times:
Anthony Jones – 01:02:58
James O’Donnell – 01:08:48
Rebecca O’Donnell – 01:08:48
Suzzanne Gardener –01:16:05
Claire Egerton – 01:18:08
Claire Kinder – 01:21:58
Louise Howles – 01:25:36
The event was both physically and mentally challenging. The recovery time between each race was short, with less than twelve hours between ‘Hell of the Fell’ and the Hero Half Marathon. Aside from any muscle pain and physical exhaustion, each runner had to have the determination to keep going and to get through each run. .
Anthony, James and Suzzanne who also ran the Tour in 2017 ran a combined total of 47:36 minutes faster this year, showing more determination and mental and physical strength.
There was great support from the marshals and stewards throughout the 4 days, ensuring the safety of all the runners; stopping traffic, assisting with first aid and providing water and jelly babies.
Overall Finish Times:
Anthony Jones completed the 32.3 miles in 04:47:46, James O’Donnell completed the event in 05:31:36, Suzzanne Gardener completed it in 06:09:39 and Claire Kinder completed it in 06:49:35.
All for Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham
The team have put themselves through the gruelling 4-day event to raise money for Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham, a registered charity in the heart of Oldham and which supports and works alongside 8-19 years olds, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Mahdlo first opened its doors in 2012 and has since that time come alongside young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to offer support and affordable quality facilities dedicated to young people.
O’Donnell Solicitors are grateful for all the sponsorship and support they have received so far in raising money for this amazing charity and if you are able to give, then any donations will be gratefully received. Please visit our My Donate page at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/odonnellsolicitors1.