WITH the success of last year’s ‘#Ranuarychallenge’, Camelford Up and Running couldn’t resist another distance running challenge this January.

With a nice roast meal and a medal to earn for their efforts, over 30 group members agreed their January challenge totals ranging from 10 miles to a whopping 150 miles, which averages out at over five miles a day.

The husband and wife team of Matt and Sam Allan chose two different tasks. Matt chose to do the 150 miles as well as ran every day while Sam decided to run every day.

Matt said: “My wife Sam chose to run not a planned total but to commit to running at least one mile every day of the month which is a huge challenge in its own right of which she clocked up over 50 miles! This led to some very late evening runs and even some running up and down the road outside of our house to clock up the ‘promised’ mile before the day was out. 

“Having run myself for a few years now, I challenged myself to run 150 miles and also to run every day. Committing to this meant running in all weathers, late evenings with a head torch and even some 4am early hours running after the mandatory night shift! I completed the 150 miles four days early and went on to complete over 190 miles within the month.”

There was also plenty of trips out, as Matt explains.

“One of our many group runs consisted of myself, Jenna Sleeman (St Teath) and Andrew Mansfield (Camelford) running from Camelford all the way to The Borough Arms, Bodmin, non-stop in just over two hours. During another day’s running we celebrated Camelford Up and Running’s third birthday with an evening head torch run, finishing with a pint and pizza after in the local pub.

“Earlier on in the month, myself, Sharon and Robert Beard (Delabole) and Phil Aldis (St Teath) set off for an early half marathon from Delabole. This turned out to be a very hilly and tough run thanks to Rob’s ‘moronic’ planning!

“I couldn’t possibly name every person who’s taken part in our challenge to congratulate them personally but what I can say is a very well done to each and every runner who has put in the extra effort this month, even if you didn’t quite meet your target.

“This month hasn’t been the coldest January but we’ve all certainly had some heavy rain and high winds to contend with!”

Sunday, January 27 saw the club’s annual ‘Run and Roast’ where group members completed either a three-mile or six-mile run, which was followed by a Sunday roast at The Bowood Park Golf Club and Hotel.

Matt added: “Eleven of us ran in total and 20 of us, including some very well behaved children, enjoyed the group meal after. 

We’d like to thank Bowood, once again, for allowing us to use their facilities to freshen up and for our lovely carvery roast dinner. May I also thank the local residents of Camelford who’ve ‘tooted’ and shared words of inspiration as ourselves and other group members have ran past, and finally I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of Camelford Up and Running’s members who have shared their runs, commended others or simply just showed their support to one and other.

“Group motivation and team spirit is the best thing about our fab, little running group, it’s what gets you up and out on a wet, winter’s day! Congratulations all of you #Ranuarychallengers! Same time, Same place next year?”

To find out more about the club, search ‘Camelford Up and Running’ on Facebook or call Matt on 07989 674812.