Trio poised for epic Marathon Des Salmon challenge

May 25, 2018

Head of Geography at Monmouth School for Boys, Mr Gerry Stentiford.

Three intrepid adventurers with a strong Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ connection will be running the length of the River Wye in a gruelling charity challenge, starting this weekend.

Head of Geography at Monmouth School for Boys, Mr Gerry Stentiford, will be trying to run 150 miles in just five days along with friends Julian Sarsby and Charlie Newington-Bridges.

Mr Sarsby and Mr Newington-Bridges both have children at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.

The trio, who all live in the Monmouth area, will be covering the equivalent of four marathons and one double marathon in the inaugural Marathon Des Salmon.

The challenge, which begins on Sunday 27th May, is based on the famous Marathon des Sables, run in the Sahara desert.

The trio will attempt to run from the source to the mouth of the River Wye, carrying their food, water and equipment.

They will pass through Rhayader, Hay-on-Wye, Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth and Chepstow

The team are raising money for the Wye and Usk Foundation and Ty Hafen children’s hospice.

“Gerry wanted to run the Marathon des Sables but was persuaded to do something closer to home,” said Mr Newington-Bridges.

“Many competitors don’t finish the Marathon des Sables and those who do are not just fit but have a different sort of strength.

“We wanted to show that these major events can be run in Wales for great causes.”

He added: “The River Wye is a beautiful river with major economic and environmental implications for us all.

“We wanted to take on the challenge of running it for the first time to raise awareness for these good causes. We would love as many supporters as possible to help us along the route.”

If they make it to the end, the three friends would like to establish the Marathon Des Salmon as a regular event in Wales.

To follow the team on Twitter, please go to: @marathondesssalmon and to make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marathondessalmon

All those interested in joining the team on a leg of the race, please e-mail charlienewingtonbridges@gmail.com

Mr Gerry Stentiford with Mr Julian Sarsby and Mr Charlie Newington-Bridges.