Marathon men up for epic run

Tomorrow, Mark Evans, Matt Wilkinson, Aodhan Carson and Jeavon Trend will embark on a 225 mile non-stop journey, running from Wimbledon in London to Fylde Rugby Club in Ansdell for charity.

The foursome will run a paired non-stop relay, meaning each man will run more than 110 miles in 48 hours.

The event, named The Ben Trend Ultra 2013, is being run in honour of former Fylde Rugby player Ben Trend, who tragically drowned while on holiday with his wife Verena in South Africa.

“Ben was a personal trainer who had completed many endurance challenges, including the UK Ironman and the Marathon Des Sables” said his brother Jeavon.

“After his death my father and I set up the Ben Trend Get Involved charity to help local causes, charities and individuals to be involved in sport or some form of activity. Ben was always inspiring others to better themselves and this charity seemed to be the best way to continue his legacy.”

After 11 months of training, the four hope to arrive at Fylde Rugby Club in Blackpool Road around 10am on Sunday.

Runner Matt Wilkinson said: “We have each run approximately 3000 miles in the build-up to the challenge. Much of the training has been based around replicating the event with many training days involving 30, 40 and even 50 miles of running.”

Matt, Aodhan and Mark are running for Fylde-based causes, with Jeavon running for a London-based charity.

They hope to raise around £10,000, and at present are £3,000 short of their final target.

For more information, visit www.bentrendgetinvolved.com, or to donate to the cause, go to www.justgiving.com/TheBenTrendUltra2013