Burnley running man set to embark on challenge of a lifetime

When the final whistle blows in Burnley’s Europa League game with Aberdeen tomorrow, fitness mad Scott Cunliffe will begin his gruelling 260-mile journey to Southampton

The 44-year-old Clarets fan, who lives in Worsthorne, will be joined by Mayor of Burnley Coun. Charlie Briggs for the first leg of the challenge as he runs to Portsmouth – in West Yorkshire.

Most of Scott’s miles will then be run on canals as he goes from Todmorden to Manchester (18 miles), Manchester to Stoke (42 miles), Stoke to Birmingham (52 miles), Birmingham to Banbury (49 miles), Banbury to Oxford (29 miles), Oxford to Winchester (51 miles), Winchester to Eastleigh (10 miles) and then finally Eastleigh to Southampton (four miles).

These distances are all approximations with Scott even hoping to run 88 miles in one day from Birmingham to Oxford – depending on how he feels.

If things do go to plan, he will have a day off in both Oxford and Winchester.

“I’m pretty much ready. There’s still a couple of things that need sorting out with the route but we’re nearly there.

“My plan is to set off running each day at around 6-30am spending between five and eight hours running each day, maximum 12 if I feel really good.

“I’m going to be absolutely knackered. The cardio aspect won’t be too bad. I’m sure my energy levels will be fine. However, my body will be broken up. I’m expecting it to be really hard."

The former St Theodore’s pupil will run approximately 3,000 miles during the course of the season.

Having already tackled several ultra-marathons, Scott has some idea about what to expect but admits he has never done anything like this before.

“I’m going into the unknown. I’ve never done anything as crazy as this before. Naturally there are going to be nerves but I’m looking forward to it as well.”

Scott has been overwhelmed by the support he has received so far.

“There’s been a lot of personal support from friends but I’ve also been receiving messages from people I don’t know which has been really encouraging.

“The donations I’ve received so far have been fantastic as well.”

All the money Scott raises will go to Burnley FC in the Community, the official charity of Burnley FC. They will then distribute 50% of the funds raised to local charities in Burnley while the other 50% will be divided between the community trusts at each of the other Premier League clubsor charities nominated by those trusts .

For more information, visit www.therunawaychallenge.org or email Scott at [email protected].

Scott’s fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/therunawaychallenge.

People wanting to donate by text can do so now. Text AWAY19 followed by £ 1, £ 2, £ 3, £ 4, £ 5 or £ 10 to 70070 to donate to RunAway.