Newcastle mum to run entire Metro system in 24-hours for Women's Street Watch

Alice Townend, 53 from Newcastle, is taking on the 65-mile challenge in support of Women’s Street Watch, a grassroots network of volunteers who work on the city’s streets at night to keep women safe.

The run – which takes place on the weekend of August 8 to 9 - will see Alice cover the length of both of Metro’s Yellow and Green lines in a 24-hour period.

She will track the Metro lines as closely as possible, taking in the fastest routes between all 60 stations via public roads and footpaths.

Alice works as a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon. She was inspired not only by her chosen cause and her own personal passion for running, but by the story of Paul McDougal from Cramlington, who successfully ran the Metro lines in just 18 hours earlier this year.

She said: “I’m really determined to complete this challenge, and I am training hard to be ready for it.

"It is a big distance to cover in a single day. I am nervous at the prospect of taking this on, but I want to show other women that big challenges are possible and that age should really be no barrier. I’m really motivated for this."

Metro operator Nexus wished Alice the best of luck with the challenge.

Lynne Dickinson, Station Delivery Manager, said: “Alice is taking on a massive challenge, and she will also be the first woman to run the Metro route.

“It’s a huge test of endurance, especially when attempting to run the full Metro route in just a single day. It’s has become popular with ultra-marathon runners in recent years. We wish her all the best and look forward to meeting her at the finish line.”

Women’s Street Watch started up following the deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa when the issue of women's safety was thrust into the spotlight.

The volunteers ensure other women feel safe on the city's streets on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.