Local athletes launch mind-boggling '60 for 60' charity challenge

Joe Wilson (10k), Jacob Brown (swimming), George Craggs (400m), Adam Brooks (cycling), Max Creasey (13.1 miles), Zander Gribbon (5k), Keith Hutchinson (800m, bottom left) and Paul Hewitson (team manager, bottom right). Pictures: Chris Booth/Rephrase

If you have ever tried to outrun a car in a 20mph zone, biked down a steep hill just to feel a bit of speed or gasped for air after swimming a single length of a pool, prepare to have your pride thoroughly dented.

A group of seven talented local athletes are about to make the impossible look easy, launching a punishing multi-discipline challenge that will push human endurance and speed to its limits - all in the name of a fantastic local cause.

Dubbed the ‘60 for 60 Challenge’, the event is being organised by sports coaches at The Extra Yard.

Over seven days between September 6 and September 13, the seven athletes will push themselves across track, road, bike and water to complete a combined 60 of the hardest miles.

The spectacular week of endurance is being held in honour of The PFC Trust’s founder, Frances Connolly, who celebrates her 60th birthday this year, with every single penny raised during the charity’s UChangeLives month going directly back into supporting the local community.

Paul Hewitson (team manager) and Keith Hutchinson (800m) with The PFC Trust's founder and president, Frances Connolly. Pictures: Chris Booth/Rephrase

To put the athleticism on display into perspective:

*George Craggs (400m): Will sprint a full lap of the track at a velocity that matches what the average person can only maintain for a short 100m dash.

*Keith Hutchinson (800m): The former World Masters Champion will be running at nearly 15 mph over his distance - literally moving faster than cars are legally allowed to drive on many modern city roads.

*Zander Gribbon (5k): Will sustain a lightning-fast pace for over three miles that most casual joggers could only hold for a single 200m to 400m burst.

*Joe Wilson (10k): Aiming to run every single mile in under five minutes, maintaining this blistering speed for more than half an hour straight.

Jacob Brown (swimming): Will swim continuously for a full mile at a ferocious pace that standard swimmers couldn't manage for a single length.

*Adam Brooks (cycling): Completing a 55km time trial while averaging over 20 mph for nearly two hours - a speed casual cyclists usually only see when flying down a steep hill.

And the eight days will culminate on Sunday, September 13, at the iconic Great North Run when half-marathon specialist Max Creasey will attempt to complete the 13.1-mile course in under 70 minutes.

Max will finish a 5k while most people are still on their first mile, and cross the finish line just eight minutes behind the times of legends like Sir Mo Farah.

He will be joined on the road by The Extra Yard’s Paul Hewitson, who has spearheaded the organisation of the ‘60 for 60 Challenge’.

He said: "Keith came up with this idea and we got it arranged because it is Frances’ birthday, and it's so important to celebrate what she has done with The PFC Trust to make a difference to the lives of so many people.

"Any monies raised will go right back into our community. She has set such an example, and we wanted to help through sport, as we all know how vital it is for young people to live healthier lives."

Paul added: "It is hard to put into words how difficult each of these challenges actually is. The swimming and biking are at breathtaking speeds, and what these guys are doing is much tougher than many could ever imagine."

Organisers are now actively looking for corporate sponsors to back the event. With an expected media reach spanning tens of thousands across local press and social media channels.

Frances Connolly, founder and president of The PFC Trust, said: "I am overwhelmed they all wanted to do this event and mark my 60th birthday in this way; what a way to mark the occasion than for them to give back to the community and support the work of the charity like this. 

"Keith and The Extra Yard have been huge supporters of ours for a number of years, and the PFC Trust has previously helped Keith on his own international Masters journey.

"To see this fantastic challenge come together, and to know the money raised will be distributed right back into the community through The PFC Trust, makes it extra special.

“We want others to get involved as sponsors to strengthen this challenge, because everything these athletes raise will directly benefit local lives."

* To donate go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/60for60challenge or if you are interested in sponsorship email events@thepfctrust.org