47 Summits and 64 Miles… in 24 Hours!

A Streetsport volunteer is taking on the momentous challenge of running a 64 mile route, compromising of 47 summits and 28,000 feet of ascent, in under 24 hours.

Dave Thompson, who works full-time at Draeger while volunteering with Streetsport on Wednesday night’s at Torry, will hope to complete the ‘Paddy Buckley Round’ in June.

The daunting task is to be completed to raise money for two charities; the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Newton Dee- a Camphill community in Aberdeen who offer a home, meaningful work and opportunities for personal development to adults with learning disabilities.

The Paddy Buckley Round in North Wales is one of the ‘UK Big 3’ mountain challenges, the others being the Bob Graham Round in the Lake District and the Ramsay Round in Scotland, and the only one Dave hasn’t yet accomplished.

The mammoth mission, which Dave will begin at at Capel Curig, was first completed in 1982 and is well regarded as the toughest of the three challenges in the UK.

British runner Nicky Spinks recently made history by becoming the first person to complete a double loop of the Welsh route, adding to her double circuits of the equivalent challenges in England and Scotland.

Dave said: “I’m lucky enough to have the chance to complete the ‘Big 3’, which is a feat that very few people have achieved.

“My training has included early morning runs of up to 14 miles and I’ve visited North Wales to time the route and familiarise myself.

“It is going to be tough, I know that from taking on Scotland’s Ramsay Round, which took me four attempts, but I’m ready.”

Denis Law Legacy Trust COO, Mark Williams, said: “The challenge that Dave’s undertaking is immense and something all of us at the trust are incredibly envious and proud of.

“We’re very thankful that he’s chosen ourselves and the brilliant charity Newton Dee to fundraise for.

“All of the money raised through Dave’s feat for our Streetsport programme will go directly towards improving our nightly sessions for those who matter the most- our young participants.”

You can donate to Dave’s fundraising page here. Everyone at the Denis Law Legacy Trust wishes Dave all the best and would encourage any donations to make that 47th peak ever so slightly easier.