It may have been done before, but a charity fundraiser from Northumberland is set to take on the extreme Tyne and Metro challenge where he will run the complete network in a single day to raise money for a charity close to his heart.
35-year-old Paul McDougal is doing the 73.5 mile ultra-marathon to raise money for the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa), a UK charity which supports children whose parents are suffering from alcohol addiction. This is a cause close to his heart as his later mother battled alcohol addiction when he was growing up.
During his challenge – which he is aiming to complete within 24 hours – Paul will track the Metro lines as closely as possible, taking in the fastest routes between all 60 stations via public roads and footpaths.
Paul said: “This is the biggest and most extreme running challenge that I’ve ever undertaken. I’ve been training hard for it.
“I’m a keen runner but not really an ultra-marathon runner. I’m nervous about the size of the task, but I’m determined to test myself. I’m confident that I can cover the whole Metro route in under 24 hours.
“The Metro map is so familiar, it’s what gave me the idea for the run, and I know that a few other runners have done it in recent years.
“The issues I’ll face are going to be fatigue, the risk of injury, bad weather, and the fact that the first eleven hours of the run will be happening in darkness. It’s a test of endurance but bring it on.”
The run will take place over the weekend of 7th and 8th February, and will finish at St James Metro station in Newcastle City Centre, and as a big Newcastle United fan he plans to do the run in a black and white shirt.
Lynne Dickinson, Station Delivery Manager at Nexus, said: “Paul is taking on a truly epic running challenge. We would like to wish him the best of luck.
“To cover the full Metro route length in just 24 hours is a big test of endurance. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way. It’s a worthy cause that he is supporting and one that’s close to his own heart.
“All of the run is taking place on the quickest routes adjacent to our lines, so none of it will actually be taking place on the actual Metro tracks themselves.”
- You can support Paul in his fundraising efforts by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/page/run-the-metro