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Graham’s Latest Challenge: One Treadmill, 23 Runners and 24 Hours

At 10am on Friday 1 June 2012, Tony Blair Sports Foundation member Graham Smith kicked off the latest chapter in his quest to run 2012 miles in 2012 to raise money for The Tony Blair Sports Foundation by running the first leg of a 24 hour treadmill marathon at Northumbrian Water’s head office in Pity Me, County Durham.

The event was organised by Graham and hosted by Northumbrian Water, his employer and one of The Foundation’s longest standing business partners. The challenge concluded at 10am on Saturday 2 June and saw 23 runners take to the treadmill during the 24 hour challenge, including 13 Northumbrian Water employees, Graham’s family and friends, members of local running club Tyne Bridge Harriers, ultra runner Ivan Hollingsworth who recently ran 100 miles in 24 hours to raise money for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, and Graham himself.

And the challenge was a huge success, with the participants running a staggering total of 166.58 miles during the 24 hour period and raising £314.20 for The Tony Blair Sports Foundation in the process. This will be invaluable in helping The Foundation to recruit, train and place more sports coaches, leaders and officials across the North East who can provide more opportunities to take part in sport to young people across the region.

Showing true dedication to the challenge, Graham, Danielle Rutherford, Tony Blair Sports Foundation member and Tyne Bridge Harriers runner, and Andy Lisle also of Tyne Bridge Harriers all stayed by the treadmill for the full 24 hours to cheer on the other participants in between running their own numerous shifts on the treadmill through the day and night. Speaking after the challenge was completed on Saturday 2 June, Graham said:

“I really enjoyed it. I can’t believe the support I’ve had for this event, it’s been fantastic! Thanks to some absolutely amazing friends that’s the 24 hour treadmill marathon complete. We achieved a massive total mileage that I never thought would be possible - a staggering 166.58 miles in a 24 hour period. I’m thrilled to have raised money for The Tony Blair Sports Foundation and to have got some more miles under my belt as part of my 2012 miles in 2012 challenge.”

Another keen participant was Chris Foreman, and employee of Sunderland City Council. Chris also showed dedication to the challenge by running on the treadmill between 1.30am and 2.30am, and then again from 5.30am until 6.30am. Despite running during these hours, Chris had been keen to take part in the challenge. He explained:

“I enjoy running but I usually run on my own. This event was a chance for me to meet other runners and a chance to do something different. Some people do things like the London Marathon, some do the Great North Run but I’ve chosen to do this. I’ve been following what Graham has been doing and thought that this would be a chance to help him.”

The Tony Blair Sports Foundation would like to thank all those who participated in Graham’s 24 hour treadmill challenge, Northumbrian Water for hosting the event, The French Oven of Grainger Market in Newcastle upon Tyne for supplying food for the runners and Graham himself for organising the event. All of the money raised from the challenge will be used by The Foundation to recruit, train and place more sports coaches, young leaders and officials in sports clubs and schools across the North East so that more young people get the chance to take part in sport and lead a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about how you can get involved with The Tony Blair Sports Foundation, get in touch with us by emailing info@tonyblairsportsfoundation.org or by calling 0191 276 0640

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To keep up to date with the latest news about Graham’s challenge, you can read his blog or follow him on twitter

If you would like to support Graham by making a donation, please visit his just giving page by clicking here