Best selling travel writer, Bill Bryson and star of Channel 4?s ‘Return of the Chef?, John Burton-Race will be cheering along the 125 participants running the race of their lives in one of the most unique marathons in the world, the Tresco Marathon. Tresco provides a very special alternative to the famous London marathon. The entire event is run in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust with each runner pledging to raise a minimum of ?300.
The Tresco marathon, now in its sixth year, began when Pete Hingston, head chef at the Island Hotel, was unable to take the time off to compete in the London Marathon. He had intended to run to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as his daughter Jade, aged five suffers from this heart breaking disease, which affects more than 7,500 people in the UK. He decided to set up a marathon on the island and the Tresco marathon was born.
All 160 islanders are involved in the preparations and organisation of the marathon. Since the first race in 2000, the island’s efforts have raised over ?250,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. All the money raised goes towards funding the ground breaking gene therapy research towards a cure for CF.
The 26.2 mile course is made up of seven and a half laps run in a figure of eight around a three and a half mile circuit. The runners, who come back year after year, say that although the harsh inclines en route are a gruelling test of stamina, the breath-taking landscapes and silver sanded beaches sloping into crystal clear water, make it an idyllic setting for such a demanding pursuit, providing an entirely unique experience.
Rosie Barnes, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Bill Bryson and John Burton-Race to be part of this amazing event. The money raised will fund potentially life saving research into gene therapy giving thousands of families living with the day to day reality of CF real hope. With current life expectancy at 31 years, every penny counts and we couldn’t do it without events like these and the efforts of all our supporters. The Tresco marathon is more than a marathon; it is a weekend experience that greatly helps to support our fundraising and raise awareness Cystic Fibrosis.?
— Press release, IncrediBull Ideas