Ultra
Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midnight sun
Maybe a high-flying job like working for NATO at the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanager, Norway makes ultra events seem relatively mundane. That certainly seems to be the case for regular ultramarathon runner Jay Turner. The rest of us, however, might think Jay a bit mad, especially as on Thursday (19th November) he’s planning on running 100 miles in 24 hours.
Jay’s goal is to raise £100 for every mile he runs, making a grand total of £10,000 for his chosen charity, World Vision. World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy charity dedicated to working with children, families and communities all over the world to overcome poverty and injustice.
What we really liked about Jay’s JustGiving page – apart from the fact that he’s rising to such an amazing challenge – is that he’s worked out a deal with BAM bamboo clothing whereby his supporters can use a promotional code to get 10% off BAM products and BAM will donate 10% of any sales to World Vision. It’s this kind of added incentive that can really boost your fundraising.
You can view Jay’s JustGiving page and make a donation here.
We spoke to Jay and he told us he had some unfinished business with this particular challenge. This is what happened when JG met JT:
JustGiving: What possessed you to run 100 miles in 24 hours?
Jay Turner: I ran the Marathon des Sables – 150 miles across the Sahara Desert over 6 days – back in 1999. After this, in 2002, I led a team of five people in the first ever unsupported crossing of the 120 mile Qatar Desert . It took 80 hours with just 4 hours sleep! I ran a number of other ultra events before deciding it was time to give my wife a break and try something which didn’t take me quite so far from home and hence the idea of 100 miles in 24 hours was born. I attempted this in 2003 but only made it to the 70 mile point so it’s very much unfinished business.
JG: Have you done any special training to prepare for the event?
JT: Lots of running! More specifically, two 31 mile runs, two 25 mile runs, four 20 mile runs and lots and lots of shorter runs. I also cycle to work every day and do lots of pilates for my core strength. I also like to include drinking to excess from time to time in my training, it helps maintain my motivation!
JG: Why have you chosen to donate to World Vision?
JT: My family has sponsored a child through World Vision for over 10 years now. I admire the work they do and really believe they make a difference to peoples lives, so like to support them whenever I can.
JG: What would be your top fundraising tip?
JT: Be persistent and write to anyone and everyone you need.
JG: Is there anything in particular you like about JustGiving?
JT: The ease of donating is a winner for me. It takes away the hassle of collecting the money and I like to claw back the Gift Aid from the government!
