Treadmill Challenge On Teesside

14 DEC2011

Endurance athlete Sharon Gayter has set herself the mammoth challenge of breaking the world record for long distance running on a treadmill. The University lecturer will begin her attempt this afternoon (Wednesday, December 14) and aims to surpass the 468.04 miles Lee Chamberlain covered in 7 days.

Taking place in the Olympia Building at Teesside University, Sharon will run approximately 67 miles each day, just over 2 and a half marathons, as she looks to inscribe her name in the Guinness World Records. The current female record stands at 403.81 miles.

No stranger to endurance running, Sharon has competed in over 300 marathons and 100 ultras, including the Flora 1000 Mile Challenge that took nearly 6 weeks to complete. In addition, the 48-year-old has completed the notoriously difficult Marathon des Sables and the Badwater Ultramarathon.

Despite travelling across the world and participating in some of the most intense endurance events, Sharon reveals this challenge is one she can't wait to start: "This is a world record attempt I have wanted to do for some time and thanks to the support from Teesside University, I have been able to organise it. I am both physically and mentally prepared now."

Throughout her week long treadmill challenge, Sharon will be raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and Zoe's Place, a hospice for children in Middlesbrough.

The event is open to the public and you can show your support by cheering Sharon on at the Olympia Building at Teeside University. Alternatively, you can sponsor Sharon by visiting her fundraising page.