Extreme endurance runner's 315km non-stop run to feed UK's hungry

Alexandra Panayotou, extreme endurance runner, will face her toughest endurance challenge yet from 13-15th October as she attempts a 315km non-stop solo run in aid of The Trussell Trust’s UK foodbank network.

Arriving at Norwich City FC’s Premier League match against Swansea City, she hopes to raise funds and awareness for the emergency food charity as increasing numbers turn to foodbanks for help.

The Greek athlete based near Barcelona Spain, will face her longest non-stop solo run of her career to date. Taking place in the UK, this run will launch a series of three solo running challenges supporting the Trussell Trust foodbank network, which she will complete over the next nine months.

Thousands more people across the UK have been forced to turn to foodbanks for emergency food recently as a result of the current economic climate. Alex was shocked at the growing need for foodbanks in the UK and wanted to help.

She said: “One of my old school friends recently set up a foodbank in London and when I learned that over 60,000 people nationwide received emergency food from Trussell Trust foodbanks last year I couldn’t believe it. That people in one of the world’s richest countries are forced to choose between paying the rent and eating or consider stealing simply to feed their children is unbelievable. Foodbanks are doing such an important job, and I knew that I too could do something to help.”

On Thursday 13th October at 11.45am Alexandra will set off from the Trussell Trust headquarters in Salisbury, and will run the 315 kilometres (195.7 miles) all the way to Norwich where the foodbank network has one of its branches. She aims to arrive on Saturday the 15th in Norwich City Football Club’s Carrow road Stadium – home of the Canaries. Her arrival will be timed so that she enters the stadium at half time during the Norwich City – Swansea City home match.

This 315 kilometre solo run promises to be the toughest she has yet to run, as it will be 95 kilometres more that her previous non-stop run of 220 km, which she ran in 2009.

Run England will be following Alexandra's incredible journey closely so stay tuned at www.runengland.org for updates, podcasts and more. Here she is doing a 101km training run for the event - an incredible achievement in itself!

City Chief Executive David McNally said: “What an incredible effort by Alex to raise funds for and awareness of the work of the Trussell Trust.

“I have completed a few marathons and know how tough they are – the distance Alex will run non-stop from the Trussell Trust headquarters in Salisbury to Carrow Road is the equivalent of nearly seven and a half marathons!

“Everyone at the Club wishes her every success with her brilliant efforts on behalf of the charity.”

Alexandra will be carrying the NCFC’s mascot on the outside of her pack, and inside she plans to carry a food item from Salisbury to Norwich to donate to the Norwich foodbank branch at her arrival in Norwich City FC’s Carrow road stadium.

Trussell Trust Foodbank Director Jeremy Ravn said: “The feat that Alex is attempting is truly epic. We are delighted that she has chosen to support The Trussell Trust in this way and with an increasing need for foodbanks across the UK her help could not have come at a better time. Her efforts will make a big difference to people facing hunger nationwide and we are so grateful.”