Hares make history in alternative torch relay

The Endurancelife Real Relay follows the entire route of the official Olympic Torch around the British Isles in one continuous non-stop journey, running every step of the way.
It started out from Land’s End at midnight on May 28 and will involve hundreds of runners from across the British Isles running through the day and night on an 8,000 mile mission to reach London in time for the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
Participating athletes will complete roughly 10 mile sections of the race each, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
The alternative torch set off 10 days behind the Olympic flame, but by the time it reaches Newbury around 6.30am tomorrow (Friday, July 13), it will have narrrowed the gap to under 48 hours, despite being carried over the entire route.
Among the runners taking part are three members of the Hungerford Hares who will have the privilege of carrying the baton, which is being tracked via Global Positioning System (GPS) over its entire journey.
Forty-three-year-old Hare Karl Pearson, who lives at Chilton Way, Hungerford, will collect the baton at around 5am in Aldermaston and run the leg into Newbury, where he will hand over to fellow club runner Stuart March at the clock tower.
Mr March will head on down towards Tadley, as the relay continues on to Basingstoke.
A third Hare, Esther Good, will pick up the torch again later in the day as she completes a section passing through Andover and up to WeyHill.
Mr Pearson said: “It’s a real privilege to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There are 800 people taking part across the UK and it’s a massive logistical operation.
“Any local runners wishing to join us on any of the routes would be more than welcome - times, and route legs are shown on the official website.
He added: “There is a rumour, although it is just that at present, that this could in effect become a world record attempt, as it may become listed as the world’s longest ever relay run.”
Full details of the Real Relay can be found at www.endurancelife.com/realrelay which lists the full route, timings, and all the other vital information, as well as details for charitable donations.