Friends prepare for 100km challenge

Friends Oliver Steele and Alexander Mitchell are preparing for their biggest fundraising effort to date.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Aug 2016, 16:12 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 02:54 BST

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Super-Mario-Thon Bros Alexander Mitchell, left, and Oliver SteeleSuper-Mario-Thon Bros Alexander Mitchell, left, and Oliver Steele
Super-Mario-Thon Bros Alexander Mitchell, left, and Oliver Steele

Former students of The Angmering School, the pair have been dubbed the Super-Mario-Thon Bros for the South Coast Challenge, a 100km ultramarathon, on Sunday.

They are running for Chestnut Tree House in the latest of a series of events for both the children’s hospice and St Barnabas House.

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Alexander said: “This is certainly our greatest event, topping the 2012 Littlehampton coastal 10km that we completed while carrying a kayak above our heads.

“Fundraising is going well, to date we have raised more than £700 of our £800 target, but we are keen to ensure that we reach this goal and if possible exceed it.”

The 62-mile route from Eastbourne to Arundel takes runners up Beachy Head, through the Seven Sisters Country Park and along the South Downs Way.

Oliver and Alexander have completed a rigorous training programme that has gradually increased in its intensity since January. Training peaked last weekend to allow three weeks for legs to recover and be on top form for the event.

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Alexander added: “While commitment to this regime is critical, the real key at this crucial stage is injury avoidance and honing of the team race strategy, so that completion of the distance within the 15 hour cut-off time can be assured.

“A major source of encouragement will be the thought of raising money for our charity. Chestnut Tree House is one we have continually supported over the course of the last nine years.

“The care they provide for terminally ill children and their families is stunning. There will always be young people who are dealt such cards but Chestnut Tree House makes those cards worth something more.

“The outstanding service which they perform relies almost wholly on public donations.”

Texting YEAH75 followed by an amount to 70070.

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