Gumpathon Blog

11/11/10

3,530 miles later and the Gumpathon team crossed the finish line at Santa Monica Pier in California earlier today.

Surrounded by beautiful white beaches and under a bright blue sky they were understandably a touch emotional as the enormity of their achievement sank in.

There was a good turnout to cheer the guys on as they ran the final mile under police escort. And they were joined on route by amputees, members of America’s Wounded Warriors project and other supporters.

They arrived shortly before 11am on Armistice Day – in time to gather everyone together to mark the two minute silence.

It’s been a tough couple of months – both physically and mentally – for all of those involved, the runners and the support team. But at no time did any of them come close to giving up and that’s because they were running for a cause close to their hearts.

The majority of the team have been joined here in Santa Monica by family and loved ones and are now taking some well deserved time for rest and recuperation. I imagine the trainers will be thrown in the back of the cupboard for a little while….hmm but then again…

So far the Gumpathon has raised around 100-thousand pounds but the team deserve more for what they have put themselves through. If you can donate please go to their web page www.thegumpathon.com

I am off to the gym….

09/11/10
Big Bear

It’s exhausting just watching these guys. They weren’t wrong when they said the climb up to Big Bear would be tough. Where the Mojave Desert highways were flat and never-ending, the route today consisted of Alpine style winding roads.

CSgt Damian Todd - the man behind the Gumpathon - decided to take on the challenge of the 6-thousand feet climb on his handbike. He’s been unable to run due to an achilles injury.

Not only was the route steep, it was cold too. So cold in fact that I abandoned Lewis occasionally and took sanctuary in our nice warm car while he waited for the bike to appear.

Last night the temperature at Big Bear dropped to minus 1 and the snow machines are now in action ready for the start of the ski season at Thanksgiving. I didn’t really consider cold weather when I packed my bags for this trip so it’s a good job we aren’t staying here too long - flipflops and t-shirts just aren’t going to cut it!

To donate please see www.thegumpathon.com

08/11/10

Bye Bye to the Mojave Desert...

What a gig! Would I go to California to follow the final stages of the Gumpathon Challenge? hmmm..

For those who don’t know about the Gumpathon, it’s a charity run from New York to Santa Monica taking 63 days and finishing at 11am on November 11th. The money raised is going to Help For Heroes, the US Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. The 6 runners are from the Royal Marines, the Army and there’s a member of the US Marine Corps too.

BFBS cameraman Lewis and I arrived in Twentynine Palms on day 57. Days of the week don’t matter amongst the Gumpathon team. On day 60 we were filming on the famous route 66 that runs through the Mojave Desert. The roads are incredible - they seem to stretch almost as far as the eye can see in a straight line.

I’m not a runner but if I were I imagine that sight could make the task of completing nearly a marathon a day even more difficult. It’s hot here too.

We were filming Staff Sgt James Mazzoni’s 100 mile in a day challenge - he managed an amazing 86 miles in 20 hours! As he ploughed on we watched (in amazement) and took in the sights including the Amboy Shoe Tree that once stood proud at the side of Route 66 but has now collapsed under the weight of gifts from passing travellers.
James, I’m pleased to say only has two blisters and a swollen ankle and will be back running with the rest of the Gumpathon team on day 61.

All of the people involved in the Gumpathon are inspiring, amongst them is former Marine Mark Ormrod who lost both legs and an arm in an IED blast in Afghanistan. He’s running between one and three miles a day.

Today we say goodbye to the Mojave Desert and head to Big Bear Lake. This will be one of the toughest days for the team. Their route takes them on a 6-thousand feet climb up though the mountains.

The Gumpathon team set out with the aim of raising a million pounds for charity but they are still a long way off.

To donate please see www.thegumpathon.com