Covéa man set for ultra challenge

Covéa Insurance’s business change manager, Paul Ali is set to undertake a 615 mile, continuous ultramarathon to raise money for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

Paul will be facing the inaugural Monarchs Way Ultra, the UK’s longest non-stop ultra-race; ‘615 miles in 14 days – 44 miles minimum each day, no rest days or overnight stops.’

The event commences on Saturday 28 May 2016 in Worcester and competitors are challenged to complete the event within a fortnight, travelling a footpath that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after defeat in the Battle of Worcester.

Support throughout the event is limited, with runners only able to access race supplies and equipment every 25-50 miles.

Paul, a keen runner, is no stranger to a challenge, having run regular marathons and ultramarathons for several years and in 2015 taking on the Spartathlon, an epic event in which Paul ran from Athens to Sparta.

Paul said, ‘Taking part in a 615 mile continuous event is a huge undertaking and this will be one of the most challenging events I have ever attempted particularly in view of the limited contact and support over such a long distance, but I am confident I will finish and hopefully my efforts will assist this much-needed charity.’

To support Paul in his epic challenge, donations can be made via the Just Giving website at: https://www.justgiving.com/paulali2016/ or text donations can be made by texting ‘PAUL89 £1’ (or £2, £5, £10) to 70070.