A local Island runner is in training to take on the 66-mile (106km) Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge in early May – and raise significant funds for families’ charity Home-Start Isle of Wight.
Calvin Wright, 54, from West Wight, also wants to raise awareness of the charity’s working supporting parents and carers with pre-school age children, living on the Island.
7am start
The challenge – on Saturday 4th May, 2024 – sets off from Chale showground at 7am, with runners travelling clockwise around the Island.
Almost 2,000 people participate in the event every year.
Ventnor diversion adds extra 1000-ft elevation
Due to closures on the coastal path, there will be several diversions including one at the 40-mile point that will take Calvin out of Shanklin and up on to the Ventnor Down, adding an extra 1000-ft elevation to the route.
Wright: I said I would never run another marathon again
Runner Calvin Wright says,
“I said I would never run another marathon again, after a significant injury in 2018, but after a friend introduced me to the concept of the Isle of Wight Ultra at the start of this year, I signed up!
“Long-distance running is very much like being part of a family… The key is to surround yourself with people who can act as mentors, people who have been there before you, who know the environment and say ‘yes, that is possible’ when you doubt yourself.
“Home-Start Isle of Wight does exactly this as its volunteers are excellent advocates for families – supporting them to have a voice, ensuring people know what their world is really like and how they can best be supported.
“The family groups offer a small and supportive environment in which parents and children can learn and build relationships through fun activities.”
Show your support
To support Calvin and Home-Start Isle of Wight please donate via this fundraising page.
You can find out more about Home-Start Isle of Wight via the website.
News shared by Alison on behalf of HomeStart Isle of Wight. Ed
