Hudson Contract’s audit manager runs from Carlisle to Newcastle to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK

The Wall isn’t a race: the organisers say they celebrate finish lines, not finish times. That’s just as well because the distance is a lung-busting, joint-straining 70 miles. But with plenty of training, the one-day event is doable and our audit manager Dan Davies is living proof, having completed the epic run in the frankly incredible time of 16hrs and six minutes.

He said: “I did it to raise money and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity because a friend of mine’s little boy has Duchenne MD, which is one of the most common and severe forms of this progressive, muscle-wasting condition. I am a father myself and I want to help fund research into possible cures.

“I started running with the Couch to 5K, moved onto half marathon runs and then a couple of ultramarathons. The Wall looked like a bit of fun and I wanted to prove I could do it. It’s surprising what you can do when you put your mind to it. You’ve really got to learn to pace yourself to make sure you can get through that sort of distance.”

The run started at Carlisle Castle in Cumbria, finished at Millennium Bridge in Newcastle and featured a mix of trails and roads alongside Hadrian’s Wall. We asked Dan how he felt after the run.

He replied: “Put it this way, I sat on the steps of the Millennium Bridge after finishing the race. When I wanted to stand up my legs didn't quite get the message and a couple of Geordie women had to stop me from falling!!”

Dan was back at work Monday morning completing audits for Hudson clients with just a little soreness after his exceptional efforts. He said: “Muscular Dystrophy UK is special to me and all the running I have done has been in an MDUK vest.”

People with Duchenne MD rarely live beyond their 20s or 30s.

To support the cause, please visit Dan's JustGiving page.