An athlete from Tameside is preparing for his biggest challenge yet.
In just over a week’s time, 53-year-old Richard Bradbury will take on the 100 mile long South Downs Way Ultramarathon, one of the toughest events in the UK.
The challenge sees athletes travel along the chalk ridgeway, starting just outside Winchester before finishing in Eastbourne.
The man from Audenshaw is taking part in aid of the Christie, a charity which is close to his heart.
After losing his brother Tim to cancer back in 2011, Richard has been on a fundraising mission, raising over £10,000 for various cancer charities through the 15 marathons he has completed so far.
In preparation for the upcoming ultramarathon, which takes place on Saturday, June 14, the inspirational athlete has completed a whopping five marathons in just four weeks.
He began the feat with the Manchester Marathon in late April, before running three more in May: Skipton, Leeds and White Peak Matlock.
The 53-year-old then rounded off the four-week period with the Manchester Half Marathon, which he ran to and from, to take the total distance over 26.2 miles.
Richard ran the Manchester and Leeds Marathons in a tutu and scrum cap, which he often does, in honour of his late brother - he was an enthusiastic dancer and represented Lancashire Under-21s in rugby union.
“Training is going okay and I’m feeling good, but it’s going to be really tough,” the Audenshaw resident told The Reporter ahead of the gruelling event.
“There’s a 30-hour cut off point, but I’m just going to give it my best and see how far I can get.
“There will be no tutu for the ultramarathon unfortunately though - I don’t want to scare the wildlife!”
Looking beyond next year, Richard plans to continue taking part in these events for as long as possible:
“I’ll keep going until I break or run out of stupid ideas,” he added.
Richard’s current fundraising total stands at just over £1200, if you would like to donate, please visit the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/richardbradbury2025
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