Paul gives the run around in epic 24-hour challenge

An accommodation manager at The University of Manchester is taking in the University’s residential estate in a non-stop 24-hour ultramarathon

Paul Burns will follow a 10 km course that will start and finish at Owens Park Hall of Residence, Fallowfield starting on 30 November at 12 noon finishing exactly a day later.

The runner, who will cover around 60 to 100 miles, will be joined by friends, colleagues and supporters throughout the night in his fundraiser for the Key 103 Cash for Christmas appeal.

The trial is a step up from last year’s challenge when he ran a marathon before a full day’s work.

Ultrarunner Paul has been competing in ultramarathons for 2 years.

He says having a runner by his side in the night and during the last few hours will help massively with morale.

A 47 minute 10k runner, his plan is to complete each loop in an hour- and then slow up during the last 12 hours.

And he’ll be putting on the purple shirt worn by last year’s purple wave of University staff, students and alumni who ran the Great Manchester Run, as part of the largest ever university group to take part in an organised running event.

He said: “Even though this run is flat, it’s on concrete so that might be hard on the body.

“But it will all be worth it. I love ultra-running because it’s the ultimate challenge and finding out how far can I push myself is an incredible feeling.

“I’ll be delighted to put on the purple shirt – and hope it will inspire people to take part in next year’s Great Manchester Run.”