Lowestoft runner takes on mammoth challenge for Norfolk hospital
He's got to complete 250 miles in 100 hours.
A runner from Lowestoft is lacing up his trainers today to start his 250 mile race in aid of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital's charity.
Ian Chilley, who's a member of the Lowestoft Road Runners, begins the Thames Ring 250 today, and he's got to complete it within 100 hours.
As well it proving to be a huge personal challenge, Ian is also hoping to raise money for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital's charity, after they cared for two people close to him.
He said: "I am doing this in memory of my wife's mum Mary Willett and our friend Martin Anderton who sadly both lost their fight against cancer."
"Both were treated at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, so I would like to raise some money for the Colney Centre to say thank you for taking such good care of them and in recognition of the hard work they all do."
Ian told us what he thinks the hardest part of the race will be: "If you talk to anybody who does long ultramarathons, they'll say you can do the training but it's all down to what's in your head.
"I've been warned I will probably hallucinate along the way, so we'll see.
"A lot of it's going to be the tiredness, with the odd 20 minutes sleep here and there."
The Thames Ring 250 follows canals from Goring-On-Thames, to just past Northampton and back again.
Runners, who get going at 10am this morning, have four days and four hours to complete the run, navigating using maps, and no outside support is allowed during the race except at checkpoints.
Ian said: "I plan to run five miles and walk 10 minutes, and then stop for a rest and some food every 75 miles."
Lynn Crombie, Fundraising Co-ordinator, said: "We are so grateful that Ian has chosen to support us in tribute to Mary and Martin. Every pound helps us enhance the care we give to our patients and their families.
"This truly is the ultimate challenge and we can't wait to follow his journey."
Ian told us he's raised around £500 so far through collections locally and a JustGiving page.