On Saturday morning, 26th September at 7am on the iconic Holy Island BCT launched it’s new fundraising team – TEAM BCT. The challenge to run a 100 miles as a relay team between Holy Island & Chollerford, taking in the beautiful and iconic Northumberland coast.
TO donate and support the runners amazing achievements please check out our Localgiving page
With a team of 7 runners, the team would all head off the island along the causeway for up to 30 hours that would certainly never be forgotten by all involved. The team brought together a group of runners with a massive mix of running experience from guys who had never really ran more than a few miles to the legendary North East Fundraiser Tony Phoenix Morrison better known as Tony the Fridge. All would be running in the colours of BCT Aspire CIC and looking to raise funds to support a new inspirational programme which will involve running the highly respected Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.
The team all arrived in good time on Holy Island but due to some misinformation last minute ended up watching the rest of the field running past them as they made their way to the start line. This was to be the first chance for the group to soak up whatever challenges would come there way and after all this was certainly no sprint. The group finally reached the priory, the official start line and paused only for a few team photographs before the whole team began their epic journey.
The team was very quickly given a distraction by Tony who decided on the challenge of a joke being told every mile of the race. It looks like this had the effect of scaring half the team off, who when it came to their turn decided to sprint off in to the distance. Before long the team left the causeway and began what would be an inspirational time spent on the coastline following it all the way to Warkworth and the iconic castle.
The idea of the team was that BCT would run as a relay team but due to work commitments some members had to be ready to return for work later on the Saturday, meaning they decided to just keep running. Many of the team really had know idea of what they were capable of, so they were very quickly into the unknown. But everybody would be buoyed along not only by the team itself, but also by all the other runners who likewise were attempting massive personal challenges.
The first iconic checkpoint was to be outside Bamburgh castle, these amazing sites giving the runners their targets from many miles away, watching as the pin prick in the distance slowly became larger. At the checkpoint the support of the amazing Beverley Marsden & Chris Wynn would be much required and very much just as important as the runners themselves. Beverley after briefly meeting Paul at a past ultra marathon responding to his SOS call for crew to help the team. Then joined by our long time friend and supporter Chris who is always ready to roll up his sleeves and assist in any way he can. Over the next 30 hours they would meet the team at every single checkpoint, ready with what they required, even if this was simply a friendly smile.
Sadly it was clear that Tony was feeling very ill at this checkpoint, seriously overheating and feeling sick. This man has been a inspiration to arguably millions of people over the years with his exploits and for the guys to see first hand that like us all he is simply a man was incredibly powerful. Even feeling this way, he gave his time to support all of the team sharing with them many amazing bits of running knowledge and a few jokes. It is clear that you don’t judge the strength of a man on his greatest day’s but on the ones where everything go’s wrong and you still role your sleeves up and carry on. Keeping a smile on your face and still thinking about those around you and what that simple smile might mean to them.
The team was now divided into two separate groups with the back section of Paul Burgum, Tony, Dave Aliano, Pete Morton and then the pacesetters of Simon Shaw, Paul Elsley and Reece Daniell who were simply flying along the coast. At this point the second group managed to meet someone who would become infamous, our Japanese friend Heiro who was having a hard time navigating and kept getting lost. We set him back on track the best we could before he would head on with his own version of the course once again. This would result in race manager John Davies having to head out into the hills in the early hours to finally locate him one last time and save the team a lot of worry for his safety. It is a large part of these events that you are often on your own in very exposed places where it is very easy to get lost especially in the dark. Yet another reason why the team representing BCT achieved so much.
As the groups began to get tired the special part of ultra-running began to hit home with them. Simply the kindness of those around them, everybody taking turns between acting as the giver or receiver of a kind word to a fellow soul out there doing their best. All of the locals, fellow trail users all helping in a small way to keep everyone out on the course moving forward regardless of what pace that might be. The other simple motivator became the stunning Northumberland views as the ground slowly rolls up and down as we cut through beautiful coastal villages too.
Seahouses is always a great stop off for the runners as you glimpse the public toilets just coming into the town. I don’t think there is any need for more explanation required on that one. The second part the aroma of Fish & Chips that fills the air, myself & Peter deeply contemplated this option before realising neither of us had any money. Again the warmth of people resonates with you. A brief passing with an international sprinter, who’s name i need to remember in his Great Britain tracksuit telling us how amazing our endeavors were, his long run being a 400 metres instead of 100 metres. LOL
On reaching Craster we said goodbye to certain members of our team who had all done amazingly to achieve massive distances. Firstly Simon Shaw who ran 30 miles and was heading straight back to his day job looking after live music at Ku Bar in stockton. Simon has been a long time supporter through assisting with the music programme and so it was brilliant to have him applying the BCT way in another challenge. With only the a small amount of running experience is a great example of what having a positive mindset can lead you to achieve.
Second up was Reece Daniell who had never gone past a half marathon and today had completed his first ever marathon. Reece was a great team member always sharing a big smile as he went along the way, even having it used as the shot of the day by the race photographers on their twitter account. Finally after struggling all morning badly Tony also decided to end at the 50 km point. Again this is very powerful in itself Tony is a world class competitor but who was simply having a day where metaphorically the sun definitely wasn’t shining. This is another massive part of great achievement simply learning the power of acceptance. Everybody at BCT Aspire CIC was humbled to have this true gentleman representing us after all he has achieved and understanding what we are trying to do through our youth work.
It was now onward down the coast for the slightly smaller BCT team, which was now divided into two parts once again, with Paul & Pete Morton attempting to catch up with the whippet Paul Elsley. Both these runners were not just out of their comfort zone but were living in another galaxy. After running well past a marathon both were beginning to feel the effects of fatigue, possibly like never before. But after re-uniting whilst heading along some yet again amazing coast the group kept on smiling and importantly moving. Paul was excited at this point to see numerous groups of Duke of Edinburgh Awards participants out on practice walks with their leaders. It gave him a first hand chance to explain to the guys what their fundraising meant to the BCT.
As Alnmouth approached Paul Elsley began to have real trouble with his knee, this is totally understandable as he had ran close to a double marathon, having never ran more than a half till today. With only a couple of miles to go he dug in with true grit and determination as the group reached the checkpoint at the edge of the golf course. The team took a few minutes to reflect and celebrate the personal achievement of Paul just like they had for everybody else, before getting sorted out to move on. Checkpoints are vital part of ultra running, sorting out any minor problems, picking up supplies and changing kit before heading out for another 6 mile section minimum. The runners would always be excited approaching and nervous leaving, but each time they did just that.
The team was now down to just Paul & Pete who was still amazingly positive despite having covered so much distance. The simple plan was to just keep moving and see what happened. The runners now had their radar on Warkworth which would represent the end of an epic day running the Northumberland coastlne. Paul used the carrot of the wonderful soup which would be on offer at the Bertams cafe to keep both pairs of legs moving. They chatted with fellow runners all helping to keep them simply thinking about the hear and now, another very important part of ultra-running. Everybody through the day had shared their stories with each other and this continued as the guys began to see out the last rays of the daytime sun. Reaching for the epic destination of Warkworth Castle, the guys had now ran a staggering 72km.
On arrival at Bertams Cafe the runners were treated to the most amazing soup, with bread rolls, coffee and homemade flapjacks. These simple items maybe not given a second thought but to those tired runners passing through it was like liquid krptonyte to re-invigorate the body and just as importantly the mind. Pete even seeing what flapjack dipped in soup was like as a mix. Sadly as nice as checkpoints like these are to runners it’s makes it even tougher to get back out on the road. It was now a point of chatting with Pete about whether he felt ok to continue running. It not something easily done without serious training to run these kind of distances. But once again a philosophical Peter said, he was up for continuing the challenge.
It was now a transition point in the event as the runners have to face the added challenge of darkness and also a more demanding navigational route as they began to head westwards inland. The runners stopped to add layers and put the necessary equipment in their packs. Simple things like checking headlamps and batteries having warm layers if required are very important. So after passing the memorable Warkworth castle it was time to start all over again. The guys headed out of the town with a fellow group of runners who helped to give a bit of fresh conversation.
Not far down the road was to be the first navigational test for the group as the they began to question their position on the course. Paul was glad to have taken his Ordance Survey map and after losing only a few minutes the group headed on, finding the correct path under the railway line. It was now a case of concentrating on every step of the way and also looking out for the reflective markers laid out by the race organisers. The pace begins to slow as you have to watch where you put your feet, a simple trip when tired can be very bad. It was at this stage that Pete for the first time had to really dig in as the temperature to plummet greatly within a few minutes. This plus the extra work needed through the dark with boggy ground meant that it was a very difficult period. The two boys were now joined by another runner Shaun, who Paul had met at last years event and helped the team to collectively keep making good progress.
By the time the group reached Felton which was outside the Anglers Arms tiredness had definitely taken it’s grip with everybody. Yet more soup and coffee lifted the spirits but Peter began to question continuing. This was till the marshalls and other runners began to point out he was only some 6 miles from running 100km. This did the trick and he once again picked himself up to begin plodding out of the checkpoint. Working still as a team of 3 taking it in turns to spot the various markers with Paul helping with his new map reading training, the group slowly but surely began making progress though a mix of woodland and agricultural land. It was very damp and the constant soaking of the feet in the wet puddles making it just a little bit tougher.
As the group headed for Rothbury Shaun realised that he was close to his cut-off time for the race. It meant the guys would have to try their best to pick up the pace for the last 3 miles. This wasn’t helped by Shaun quite nastily twisting his ankle whilst crossing one such field. But even still kept on working absolutely flat out. As the they reached Rothbury Paul remembered an earlier conversation with Peter about his sprinting prowess, telling him to finish like a champion, the challenge well and truly accepted as Pete flew over the bridge to a hero’s welcome. From a half marathon to a hundred kilometres (60 miles) is truly epic and he had certainly earned his dues as they took a seat in the welcoming setting of the Rothbury Bunkhouse and cafe. The warm hospitality, coffee and delicious pasta making it a firm favourite of all the runners taking part. It was also the last checkpoint before the runners on the hundred mile race would head out on to the toughest section of the course over the moors and through dense forests in the pitch black, well not actually as the moon was being a great help. A disabled toilet becoming a very welcome changing room for Paul who would join the other 100 milers and try and get the BCT team round the course. Firstly taking some time to sort out his own chaffing problems that are certainly not a welcome addition to an already tough challenge. The group were also welcomed to see BCT Director Colin Liddle who had driven through to support the team which was very welcomed at this time of night.
After one last photograph Paul headed out of the door to make his way on to the hills alone, aiming to put right getting lost on the same section last year. The open moors changing for very dense forrests that made getting lost a very high risk, meaning complete concentration as the trail disappeared as the undergrowth grew across it. Certainly a very spooky place to be in the early hours of the morning on your own. Paul kept going and surprised the crew at the next checkpoint who had planned on a couple of hours sleep before his arrival. Paul having to bang on the van window to stir a very deeply sleeping Chris. Still this was no place to hang about as the temperature was very low and staying warm was now also very important, so after a very strong coffee, some painkillers it was straight off for the next section.
Chairman of BCT Aspire The Reverend Bill Braviner had these words to say about the amazing runners
” Team BCT is a wide and diverse group of people, and it constantly amazes and encourages me just how many people are prepared to support our work in so many different ways. This week, I have been particularly humbled by the fact that a group of people have supported BCT Aspire by running the St Oswald’s Ultra – a feat of fitness, endurance and stamina that leaves most people standing. Paul Burgum and his running team did us really proud, and their efforts will enable us to do so much for young people in our community, not least through helping us to be able to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. As Chairman of BCT Aspire, I want to record my thanks, and the thanks of everyone who supports our work, for the tremendous effort and achievement of the BCT St Oswald’s Ultra team in supporting our work – because you ran this, we can run that “.
As the hours rolled on the moon began to get lower in the sky as night once again began to become day. These hours can be some of the toughest for ultra runners as the body simply wants to rest and sleep. A few moments where the eyes struggled to stay open as Paul worked towards the warm welcome of the Kirkwhelpington village hall. Along the way pausing for a few moments to enjoy a beautiful sunrise across the hills. It’s simple presence seeming re-invigorate the tired body. There was one last challenge as a very unwelcoming crowd of cows meant Paul jumping for cover and landing right in a patch of very large nettles.
On reaching the hall Paul enjoyed hot dogs from the crew and once again re-set himself for the last 20 miles of the course. An added bonus being the re-arrival of Dave Ailano who was ready to run with Paul all the way to the finish. This was an incredible lift for a very tired Paul, who had spent the night hours alone since Rothbury. The simple plan was to try and move as quickly as possible aiming to bite chunks out of the remaining distance. Quite often using the carrot of fellow runners in the distance to give a target to work towards. The next checkpoint was simply ran through as they looked to keep the momentum going. A few difficult patches followed but on what was now a glorious sunny day the end was in sight.
Eventually the guys reached the bridge leading into Chollerford and were met with a warm cheer from awaiting crew and race organisers. Team BCT had collectively achieved something very special, with everybody involved also setting massive personal bests.
This event took a lot of work from everybody involved along side all the race organisers, marshalls, fellow runners and supporters. A massive thank you for everybody who has donated so far and if you would like to add to that please check out our local giving page.
Below we have posted the thoughts of numerous members of the team on why they decided to run, instead of cutting these down we thought we would share them all.
Simon Shaw – 30 miles
I ran this event because every couple of years it seems Paul Burgum asks me to do something out of my comfort zone, first it was street dancing – now it’s endurance running. I think he must get a sixth sense kinda feeling for what I’m currently going through and knows that a nice 30 mile run will clear my head a little. I’ve volunteered with BCT for a fair few years now(Don’t make me count), it was originally a way for me to gain some teaching experience while I was at my first year at Uni studying music composition. Since then I’ve been drawn into the ethos of BCT of inspiring by being.
I question a-lot about what I’m doing, where I’m going – what do people think of me etc. BCT reminds me to keep everything simple, adjust myself and make little changes when I need to but to keep the now present. I stress myself out over work most days due to the nature of the music world, trying to promote new music to people – keeping my stress levels down and switching off is my hardest job – BCT is always there week in and week out to remind me that these aren’t real things I should be stressed about, at heart we’re all people just we forget to do the things that make us happy.
It was my first ever running event I’d ever took part in (I’ve never done the Boro 10k or even a park-run). It was signing the waiver beforehand that hit home that I had to make sure I took care of myself during the race – “Be honest with yourself” is what I kept repeating in my head. I think that’s one of the key points I took from the race that can be used in any situation. “Be honest with yourself”. There’s a-lot of thinking time during an event like this and you see a plethora of characters and situations which keep you humble. At no point do you think “At least I’m doing better than that person”, the first thing you do as you pass someone is ask them if they’re alright, having a nice morning/afternoon etc. In a way it takes your mind off your own issues…
The whole event is ran on selflessness – it’s inspiring to see so much support for everyone in the area & the families, friends and partners of the runners themselves. I am instantly addicted – consider me a fan x
Dave Ailano – 45 miles
Paul put a shout out as he was putting a team together for this 100 miler. I already had a commitment on the Saturday night but reckoned I could certainly do a couple of stints on the Saturday morning and Sunday morning. It was great to meet the rest of the team – some had run before – others hadn’t. It was hard to leave on the Saturday as I just wanted to keep going – but the way things were panning out, everyone just going off together, I could see that I had to get back on the Sunday. It’s always better to run with someone than on your own! Dragging myself out of bed on Sunday morning after only a few hours sleep I headed to Kirkwhelpington to meet Paul. I was glad to hear he had company to Rothbury and only had to do one section on his own. After some hot dogs we headed off on the last 20 odd miles. The weather was glorious and possibly too warm. The event to me was a chance to help out by doing something that i was comfortable with – distance running. I’ve run for years but never in an event like this, but also a personal challenge- I’d never done 45 miles in 29hrs. Now I intend to use running as a tool to get some funds to BCT, which for personal reasons strikes a chord with me.
Paul Elsley – 47 Miles
I would just like to thank you for asking me to be part of such an amazing team in a brilliant event. It was a honour and a privilege to run along side such an amazing set of people who pushed themselves to the limit for a great cause. The support team were fantastic and I have so much respect for them and everyone who took part. You really do feel apart of something good when your watching people on the limit and pushing the boundaries in both the running aspect and the supporting. Seeing you cross that line and complete the 100 was amazing and emotional. Everyone was so proud of what you done plus everyone had there own personal achievement. To be apart of it was amazing. I feel physically ruined but mentally I feel like I’ve been part of something amazing and that nothing is impossible. Ive made some new friends who after only a couple of days with have the upmost respect for. Thanks again mate and sorry for the long message. Take care buddy and see you soon. Team BCT Aspire the best team I’ve been apart of bar none.
Pete Morton – 100km
There’s something really rewarding about setting yourself a goal and then achieving or surpassing your expectations. To do it surrounded by positive, inspiring people is another reward. I spent a weekend running in the company of friends and strangers. At the end they were all friends. Sharing a smile or nod whilst drinking a cup of soup and dunking a bread bun, amazing how something so simple can be so enjoyable, just sat smiling and appreciating the effort, strength and determination of the people you’re amongst.
The mind is a wonderful thing, keep it positive, keep it simple and ‘stay in the now’ you really can achieve what at first may seem daunting and impossible.
BCT Aspire – loved being a part of the team but love even more what you stand for. I’m glad I raised some cash, helping you to keep doing what you do (thanks to all who supported me), am grateful for the new friends I’ve met and how the experience has helped me grow and appreciate the people I love.
Till the next one…
We will update this page with the thoughts of everybody once we have received them.
TILL NEXT TIME
