Two Salford friends will be taking on an ultra-marathon challenge when they run over 200km in two days to raise money for a mental health charity.
The Salford University graduates plan to run 124 miles (200km) on May 17, from Salford in Oxfordshire to Salford, Manchester, finishing on May 18.
Alfie Mulligan, 22, and Harry Warner, 23, will be running to raise awareness for the charity Mind, in memory of a friend who took his own life last year.
The charity says one in four people experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.
Alfie and Harry have set their initial goal at £2,500 but are hoping to raise as much money as possible.
Alfie said: “It is devastating and sad knowing that we’re not able to speak to our friend again. But since then, mental health has been a big talking point for all of us, and we want to give back by raising money for Mind.
“It will be a tough challenge but we hope it will raise awareness, and for me running and talking to Harry has helped me a lot.”
The challenge will see the duo run nearly 100kms a day. Starting in the small village of Salford they will first run to Staffordshire where they will rest overnight.
The following day they will tackle the second half of the ambitious challenge to bring them home to the city of Salford.
Alfie said: “It’s the equivalent to over 10 half marathons, or five marathons but we’re going to try do and it in four 50km stints.”
The pair have experience of running ultra-marathons previously, running the width of Luxembourg in 2024 and the entire boundary of our Salford in February this year, but have since wanted to go above and beyond for a great cause.
The challenge will also see the duo donate 10 per cent to the Salford University Boat Club, which Alfie credited with being a space where they could interact with mates and have an incredible experience.
Alfie continued: “I am not great at rowing, but it was a place where I felt we were able to talk to one another and it was always great, so we’re going to give back so they can keep going in the future.”
With a month to go to the challenge, Alfie shared that he was both “nervous, but excited”.
He added: “When we first planned the idea, it sounded really fun, but the more I think about the distance, it’s getting a bit scary.”
They have been preparing for their Salford to Salford charity run by going on long distance runs, and keeping the calories high by eating lots of carbohydrates.
Alfie also has a surprise for if they raise £2,500. “If we raise the total I will dye my hair blonde. I’ve never dyed my hair before and I don’t think it will look good, but that’s a good incentive for us to get it done.”
Donations to Alfie and Harry’s Just Giving page can be made here.
Recent Comments