Wells City Harrier members Laura Derby-Jones and John Reynolds will be taking on what to many observers is described as the ultimate running challenge this coming weekend. Starting at 6.00pm on Friday evening August 28th in Chamonix, South east France, they will be competing in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.
The race course will take them over 160km with a total climb of 10,000m as they pass on mountain trails from France, through into Switzerland and then into Italy before returning back into France and the finish line in Chamonix. In order to qualify for the tough race the two Harriers had to compete in a number of long endurance runs of 50miles plus over the previous 2 years, and then be fortunate enough to be drawn out of the ballot for a place on the start line. There are 2,300 competitors in total from across the world but mainly dominated by mountain runners from the Alps.
Laura and John have been training hard for the challenge. John is well known for his fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Children's Hospice South West and once ran over 400 miles in 7 days on their behalf. He was recognised for his fund-raising when he was selected to be one of the Olympic torch bearers for the 2012 Olympics, and was made an Hon Life member of the Club for all his efforts. Laura has come into running later, juggling her busy family life looking after her kids, and joining one of the Harrier's beginner groups just 5 years or so ago.
For training they have both been running a number of hill repetitions in a single session up the road from Wookey Hole to the top of Deer Leap on the Mendips. At the event they will be supported by Laura's husband, Wayne, and their children, and are looking to complete the event within the cut off time of 46 hours, running through the night over some of the highest mountain passes.
Official website with results when available:
http://www.ultratrailmb.com/en/page/20/UTMB%C2%AE.html
There could be snow or heavy rain in August so fingers crossed that the weather is good for them. (Photos by Paul)
