Running Back To Remember

7 OCT2011

Sparkhill Harrier Margaret Ehrenberg has set herself the challenge of running from Birmingham to Leeds in just six days. Margaret, who plans to embark upon her journey on Monday, November 14, has organised her Running Back to Leeds challenge in dedication to former running buddy Colin Morath. She hopes to arrive in the city before the Abbey Dash on Sunday, November 20.

Margaret, 57, plans to run the distance, which approximates to 180 miles, or just over a marathon a day, unsupported, with only six maps as guidance. The former Abbey Runners member feels the challenge will go some way to commemorate Colin, who was president and founding member of the Leeds club.

Margaret, who works as a sports massage therapist, is an experienced runner with over 25 years experience. In 1989, she achieved a personal best of just over 3 hours at the London Marathon, whilst just two years ago, she won a bronze medal in her marathon category at the World Masters Championships in Finland.

In preparation for the Running Back to Leeds challenge, Margaret said she had recently increased her training so her body was prepared for longer distances. Margaret told northernrunningguide.com, "The last two weeks, I've done 94 and 88 miles, with long runs of 27 miles, plus a good distance on a weekend day. I'm aiming to have several weeks of running 100 miles per week as near to it as I can manage."

Familiar with off-road running, Margaret was the top female in last year's Country to Capital Ultra, covering the 45-mile distance in just over 7 hours. However the up coming 180-mile journey represents a far greater challenge than anything previous. "Two years ago I ran about 30 miles a day for 30 days when I did the Druids Challenge. Although this is twice as long, I expect to be stiff and tired for the first few miles each day and hopefully after that I will feel fine once I get going."

You can keep track of Margaret's progress as she makes her way from Birmingham to Leeds at her blog. Alternatively, you can visit her justgiving page if you would like to make a donation to the chosen charities Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire and St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds.