Meet the man running a 127-mile ultra-marathon this weekend for New Brighton RNLI

This weekend Gareth Kilshaw will undertake a run along the Liverpool to Leeds Canal. His journey will begin and end from his home in Leigh with the fitness fanatic hoping to complete the challenge in less than 30 hours.

Gareth is a keen member of GB Ultras, a community of like-minded runners, who host a series of ultra-marathons throughout the UK. Due to Covid-19, all events were cancelled, so Gareth decided to resign from his role as race director and took up a new job at Liverpool Docks.

Gareth Kilshaw says:

‘It was there I learnt about the RNLI and the work of the local volunteer crews, who have been hit by the pandemic in having to cancel events and not collect in their usual way. The RNLI provides a 24/7 rescue service and I wanted to show my gratitude for the work they do in my local area. The closest station to my workplace is New Brighton, so I decided they should benefit from my challenge.

‘Sunday will be my 48^th Birthday, so it will definitely be a unique way to celebrate!’

Gareth has completed a 12-week training plan to get him set up for the challenge. He will be supported by wife Carole, who will be on hand with foot, kit and plenty of motivation.

Garreth Berry, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer for New Brighton says:

‘This certainly is some challenge and on behalf of everyone at New Brighton I want to say how grateful we all our to Gareth for really going the extra mile to keep us afloat. Like all charities, the RNLI has been hit by the pandemic and we still need to keep our service running so the crew can continue saving lives. The donation he makes to the RNLI following this challenge will be so very much appreciated.’