Runner faces 62-mile commute - ON FOOT - to work at Northumberland holiday park

A running enthusiast is taking on a whopping 100km (62 miles) commute to work for the RNLI.
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David Beech is running from his home in Whitley Bay to Haven’s Haggerston Castle, near Berwick, on Saturday, December 12.

The epic journey, part of the RNLI’s Reindeer Run, will see David set off at 3am with a plan of passing the coast by Amble when the sun rises, as well as famous landmarks such as Alnwick Castle and Chillingham Hall later in the run

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Once at the holiday park, David will complete a celebratory lap of honour, with the aim of finishing at the castle’s tower at 6pm.

David Beech training in the Cheviots.David Beech training in the Cheviots.
David Beech training in the Cheviots.

Having come from a career in the armed forces, fitness has always been a passion of David’s, and since leaving the Army, he has competed in many ultra runs where the distance is anything longer than a marathon – his longest being the ‘Spine Challenger’ at 174km – as well as previously being awarded the title of North East Fell Running Champion.

David said: “As a keen open water swimmer, free diver and regular in the North Sea, my connection to the sea is far more than just being situated near it.

"However, living and working on the Northumberland coastline means I can enjoy this much more easily than some. Because of this, I am very aware of the dangers the sea brings and it’s so important to have an amazing voluntary service such as the RNLI to help keep people safe.

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“I was also a member of Mountain Rescue for over four years, and I know all too well, the demands that this sort of work brings. Being voluntary, the RNLI needs as much support as it can get during these challenging times and I want to help play a part in that.”

An annual event, the RNLI’s Reindeer Run encourages supporters across the UK to raise money for the hard work the RNLI does to help keep those around the coast safe by donning their trainers and participating in a run.

Haven and the RNLI have been part of a successful brand partnership since March 2018, raising over £300,000 in the last few years to help save lives at sea.

To support David on his 100km journey, you can donate using this link: https://rnli-reindeerrun.blackbaud-sites.com/fundraising/100km-run2020

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