Two local mums, Laura Hurcombe and Kirsty Jones, will be running an ultra-marathon this weekend (July 15th and 16th) to raise funds for Whitchurch CE Primary School to develop a Multi Terrain Outdoor Play Area for the pupils.

During this mammoth fitness challenge, their months of training will be put to the ultimate test; they aim to run 100k, approximately 64 miles, at the Race to the Stones. This event is a journey from the Chilterns to the mystical North Wessex Downs, past mighty Iron Age forts, ancient monuments and through some of Britain’s most stunning landscapes and finishes at the towering stones of Avebury.

You can follow Whitchurch Mums on social media, where you can track their progress along the 100km routes.

Visit @whitchurchmums on Twitter or facebook.com/whitchurchmums

Their ‘couch to 100km’ training began in 2016, and they have progressed from 5km races through to 10km eventually completing five half marathons, two marathons and a 41 mile ultra-marathon as part of their training programme.

Laura and Kirsty, who are ordinary mums, say that they are unlikely runners, who have had to fit training between full time jobs, school runs and family life.

Laura and Kirsty are hoping to raise £100 a mile, totalling £6,400. So far, online, they have raised £2,550.40, but this figure is increasing daily. To sponsor Laura and Kirsty, visit the website: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/whitchurchmums

They told the Gazette that the support they have had from parents, teachers and the local community has been overwhelming. These include AJ Lowther and Sons, who have always been great supporters of the school and are the main event sponsors of this challenge, with other local local businesses, The Old Court Hotel and Ye Old Ferrie Inn providing venues and ideas for fundraising activities. Children from the school have taken part in a virtual run by pledging distances and earning a medal.