NEARLY 100 runners came together to complete an eight-hour charity relay run in aid of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

On Saturday 11th August 2018 just under 100 runners came together to complete the relay run.

The run, principally organised by Katie Elliott and Will Hogg, but with significant contributions from many others, saw three teams - one provided by RNLI Lifeguards; one provided by ClassFit gym based in North Shields; and a third team provided by Wolfslair gym based in Shiremoor - complete continuous loops on the north side of the King Edward’s Bay. Starting on the lower promenade, runners braved the 130 steps up to the road before having a brief respite as they jogged down the ramp from Sharpness Point before starting again.

A total of 2,249 loops were completed covering a total of 898 miles and climbing 292,370 stairs. This gave a total elevation ran up the stairs of 213,655ft. Will Hogg, who is an RNLI Lifeguard and Associate member of the TVLB, and Sandy Kerr, who is a RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, each completed the most loops of all competitors completing 102 laps and covering around 40 miles across the 8 hours. As a team, ClassFit gym completed the most loops with a number of their members putting in some considerable stints throughout the day to keep the event going.

Along with the run, a cake stall and raffle was also held. It is hoped the event will have raised in the region of £1,500 for each charity.

Peter Lilley, Secretary of the TVLB said: “It is fantastic to have had so many runners and fundraisers involved in this event which produced a wonderful spectacle as they made their way around the course.

“The TVLB relies entirely on voluntary donations and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of those that took part in the run and the many others who donated to the cause.”

Anyone wishing to donate towards the run should visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kingeddiesstairchallenge.