Amy Hughes (runner)
 |
Amy Hughes (born 1987/88)[1][2] is a British marathon runner known primarily for completing 53 marathons in 53 days.
Record
Background
After her friends' child developed a medulloblastoma,[2][3] Hughes decided that she wanted to break the marathon running record in order to raise money for the Isabelle Lottie Foundation, which "raises awareness about the importance of diagnosing brain tumors early in children".[2] She was also inspired by Larry Macon, who ran across all 50 U.S. states,[4] desiring to run in all the major cities of the United Kingdom.[1] Hughes also wanted to promote "the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle".[5]
Record attempt
She started her first run on 6 August 2014, in Chester.[1][6] From Chester, she travelled from north to south and then to the south-west,[7] before travelling north and completing her 53rd marathon in Manchester on 27 September.[1][2] Covering a total of 1,400 miles (2,300 km),[5] Hughes travelled to cities including London, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Cardiff.[1] After the event, Hughes said her highlight was Brighton, and that Tunbridge Wells was "hilly".[7] During the attempt, Hughes suffered from stomach viruses,[1] one of which caused her to take 8 hours to run her 35th marathon around Taunton.[4][2]
By completing 53 marathons in 53 consecutive days, she broke the world record for most consecutive marathons; according to the Guinness Book of Records, the previous record was 52, set by Akinori Kusuda in Japan in 2009, and the previous women's record was 17, set by Parvaneh Moayedi in 2013.[5][6][nb 1] She also raised over £42,000, of which £10,000 was donated to the Neurosurgery Department at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.[3]
Social media reactions
Hughes' record attempt received praise on social media, including from some notable celebrities. England football captain Wayne Rooney described her efforts as "a great achievement",[6] whilst Paula Radcliffe tweeted her support for the "amazing and inspirational accomplishment".[1]
Other activities
After breaking the record, Hughes was involved in a number of high-profile events. She helped Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell train for the London Marathon, and has spoken at many Running Expos. Her record won the "best running moment of the year" at the 2015 Running Awards.[11]
Personal life
Hughes works as a sports therapist in Oswestry, Shropshire.[7] She is in a relationship with Dave Keighley, who was part of the support crew during her record attempt.[11]
Notes
- ^ In 2011, Belgian Stefaan Engels was credited as breaking the Guinness record with 365 consecutive marathons.[8][9][10]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Amy Hughes completes 53 marathon record bid". BBC News.
- ^ a b c d e "British woman runs 53 marathons in 53 days, sets new world record". Fox News Channel.
- ^ a b "Parents of three year old who inspired Amy Hughes to run 53 marathons in 53 days reveals where money is to be spent". shropshirelive.com.
- ^ a b "Super-fit woman runs 53 marathons in 53 days, sets world record". dna.
- ^ a b c "Shropshire runner plans record-breaking marathons event for charity". Runner's World.
- ^ a b c "Young woman's incredible achievement of 53 marathons in 53 days". The Daily Telegraph. 27 September 2014.
- ^ a b c "Amy Hughes: Little Izzy went through hell. I'm just doing 53 marathons". The Sunday Times.
- ^ "Stefaan Engels sets marathon record". ESPN. AP. 5 February 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
- ^ "Man runs marathon every day for a year". ESPN. 6 February 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
- ^ Laurance, Jeremy (6 February 2011). "Belgian enters the record books with 365 marathons in a year". The Independent. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
- ^ a b "Stepping out: Shropshire marathon star Amy Hughes runs into the arms of love « Shropshire Star". shropshirestar.com.
External links
- http://www.53marathons.co.uk/ includes a dated list of all 53 cities.