Aberystwyth University Men’s Rugby Union will take on the exhausting challenge of completing a marathon over 24 hours in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

The team will run the marathon distance starting at midnight on Friday, 30 April and will complete the challenge the following midnight.

The 32 members of Aberystwyth University Men’s Rugby Union have already raised an amazing £1,792 of their £2,000 fundraising target.

The huge challenge will see the men running over 3 miles in the first hour, followed by one mile every hour for the remaining 23 hours.

Due to Covid-19 travel restrictions the event will be held virtually, with one team member completing his marathon from the Isle of Man and one taking part in Spain. The remainder of the team will be completing the event around Aberystwyth.

Reflecting on why they have chosen this fundraiser and charity, first team captain Tudor Roderick, said: “Due to Covid 19 we were unable to hold a touch rugby charity event this season and we were trying to think of a challenge that we could do as a team. We decided that running a marathon in a day is a difficult challenge that would lead to strong sponsorship support from our families and friends.

“As a club we felt it was an excellent charity that often comes to the rescue when serious rugby injuries occur. The service is incredibly important and without it many more rural injuries would lead to fatality, especially in hard-to-reach areas of Wales.

“As a club we are both excited and a bit nervous about the difficulty of the challenge, but we are hoping that this will raise both money and awareness for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.” 

Dougie Bancroft, Wales Air Ambulance community fundraiser, said: “Good luck to all 32 members of the Aberystwyth University Men’s Rugby Union team, who have set themselves an exhausting challenge in aid of our lifesaving charity. It is lovely to hear that despite government restrictions, team members in Spain and the Isle of Man are also taking part in the virtual event.

“The team has already raised a fantastic amount of money for the Charity. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the fundraiser, you’re all helping save lives across Wales. We hope the marathon goes well.”

You can show your support to the men by sponsoring them via their Just Giving page - Aberystwyth Mens Rugby Union 24hour Marathon.