Ultrarunner attempts world record for Asthma UK
04 September 2006

International ultrarunner Sharon Gayter began her attempt to smash the record for running from Land’s End to John O’Groats yesterday (Sunday 3 September), while raising vital funds for Asthma UK.

Sharon, who has asthma herself, is currently Great Britain's top female 24-hour runner. She started her world record bid at 7am at Land’s End and hopes to finish around 12 days later in John O’Groats.

Sharon will be running in four blocks of four hours each day, clocking up a distance equivalent to almost three marathons every day. The current record of 13 days, ten hours and one minute has stood for more than ten years.

‘My asthma has not stopped me from becoming one of the best in the world, but it does sometimes mean I am unable to finish a race,’ said Sharon. ‘That’s why I am using my world record attempt to raise funds for Asthma UK, to help improve the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK with asthma.’

Steve Grogan, Events Officer at Asthma UK, added: ‘One in five households in the UK is affected by asthma. We are therefore delighted that Sharon has decided to use her world record attempt to help Asthma UK.

‘The money she raises will go towards vital asthma research and services, to help us understand more about the causes of asthma and free people with asthma from its effects. As a result, her achievement will help more people with asthma to complete their personal achievements too.’