Running Through The Pain Barrier

25 NOV2011

While many of us have experienced the debilitating point of hitting the dreaded wall in the final miles of a marathon or grimaced in the lung-busting final stretch of a 10k PB, one runner is taking the idea of the pain barrier to another plane. Approaching the final stages of his 52 marathon challenge, Kevin Betts is facing the prospect of running the final five with a stress fracture in his left leg.

Kevin, from Melton, Leicestershire, has set himself the task of completing one sub 4-hour marathon for every week of 2011, with an expected finish date in Portsmouth on December 18. The endurance runner, currently 47 marathons into his challenge, suspected something was amiss while taking part in the recent New York marathon.

Speaking to northernrunningguide.com, Kevin commented: "It first happened about three weeks ago when I felt my leg give way. After the run I had some real issues walking and putting pressure on it. I ran New York and at mile 16, the pain was searing, absolute agony. My physio has since explained I have an impingement on my ankle and a potential stress fracture."

Thus far, Kevin's gruelling task has taken him to several unexpected - and luxurious - locations. Running in the New York marathon, he explains, was only made possible after an American running enthusiast heard word of his challenge and donated flights through air miles. He also managed to find time during his stag do in Las Vegas to participate in the Orange Country marathon in May.

Since returning from New York, Kevin has undergone a course of intensive physiotherapy to ensure he can continue with the challenge: "When I start running it's absolute agony, so, so painful at times. Regular physio work and pure grit and determination will get me through."

One of the principle sources of motivation for the runner is to raise awareness and funds for his two chosen charities, Passington and Rethink, Survivors of Suicide. By setting himself this challenge, Kevin hopes to confront the stigma that is associated with suicide.

For more information on why Kevin is running for the charities and to follow his progress in the final weeks of his 52 marathon challenge, you can visit his blog. Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation and help him reach his £5,000 target, you can visit his justgving page.