Back to the 56-mile Bullock for Alex
01 Sep 2015
Aiming to beat the £5,000 barrier for cancer support
After saying he’d never do it again, Alex Waddington is gearing up again to take on the 56-mile Bullock Smithy – this time running some of the course.
Last year Alex took on the gruelling challenge walk around the Peak District in memory of his father, finishing in 21 hours 50 minutes.
Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues and strangers, he raised a whopping £4,700 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Strathcarron Hospice near Stirling, which both provided support to his dad before he died in January 2014.
Although he’s not been training specifically for the challenge, he’s maintained fitness through lots of cycling and a new interest in fell running - and in recent weeks has decided to go back and try to go faster.
The challenge involves hiking right through the night over challenging terrain. It starts in Hazel Grove in Stockport and goes out through Lyme Park and into the Peak District, before circling south of Buxton and back through Cheshire.
Walkers must beat fatigue and blisters, negotiate several knee-jarring climbs and descents - and even face several fields of frisky cows that have been known to charge at participants.
Keen cyclist, trekker and runner Alex, who works for policy@manchester, said: “The aim this time is to run some of the flatter parts and push myself under 20 hours. It’s going to be another big challenge, but having a time to beat will keep me motivated and focused.
“I had such tremendous support and encouragement last year for so many people, which was beyond my wildest expectations. But I feel there is some unfinished business there, and it would be amazing if people were able to donate just an extra £1 or £2, to spur me on and nudge me over the £5,000 barrier.”
You can support Alex in his latest challenge at: