7 March 2009
by An ex-EADT journalist!
A RUNNER from Woodbridge is raising money for the Help for Heroes charity to support soldiers wounded abroad.
Richard Smith, 47, a member of the Woodbridge Shufflers running club, is bidding to be one of few English runners to complete the 56-mile South African Comrades race on May 24, 2009.
He has received a substantial donation for the training costs from Ufford Park Hotel and Golf Club.
Richard said: ‘‘There is a significant cost involved in training for such a demanding race and I am delighted with the support and enthusiasm shown by Colin and Shirley Aldous from Ufford Park.
‘‘The Comrades is known as the ‘ultimate human race’ in which runners have to triumph over adversity.
‘‘There is no hiding place in the Comrades – it is run on a very hilly route under the blazing sunshine between Pietermaritzburg and Durban with cut-off times along the way.
‘‘If you do not complete the timed stages then you are scooped up by a bus and thrown out of the race.’’
Very few runners from England enter the race and last year only 13 English runners finished. Up to 25% of competitors fail to complete the race and Mr Smith says that mental preparation is very important to help him overcome the huge challenge.
He is aiming to train up to 30 miles on his longest runs and relies upon porridge, pasta, rice, flapjacks, jaffa cakes, jelly babies, malt loaf, gels and high energy drinks to provide the all-important carbohydrates.
However, the Africans want Comrades runners to enjoy a diet of coke and cream soda, chocolates and potatoes as they run between the two cities!
Donate online via www.justgiving.com/richardsmithofufford.
Cheques can be made payable to
Help for Heroes and sent to
3 Lady Cottages, Church Lane, Lower Ufford, Suffolk IP136DS