A WOKINGHAM runner has successfully completed a challenging 100 kilometre charity race around the island of Antigua, in sweltering conditions.
Karl Thompson, 55, sprinted with a team of 25 ultra marathon runners to raise money for paediatric healthcare in the Caribbean.
It was an idea that came to him over a drink with a friend.
“I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon last year in London with a colleague,” he said.
“Afterwards, we were chatting about what we could do for Sandals Foundation.”
This is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International group.
The charity aims to transform communities and improve the lives of children and adults in the Caribbean by providing skills training, sports, health initiatives, scholarships, supplies, technology, literacy programmes, and mentors.
It also raises environmental awareness, encouraging conservation and care for the Islands and their resources.
“I had the idea of running around one of the Caribbean islands,” continued Mr Thompson.
“We chose Antigua, and launched Sandals Foundation Island Run – Antigua 2023.”
As managing director of travel company Unique Vacations UK Ltd – Sandals & Beaches Resorts’ UK sales and marketing representatives, Mr Thompson knows the island well.
“I had been to Antigua as a tourist, and for work, but doing the run, and seeing the island close up, I do feel differently about it now,” he said.
Sandals Foundation recommended supporting two children’s centres: the SickKids Caribbean Initiative, and the Paediatric Unit of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, formerly Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, in Antigua.
The SickKids Caribbean Initiative (SCI) cares for children diagnosed with paediatric cancer and blood disorders.
The Paediatric Unit at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is the only acute care facility on the island offering 24-hour emergency care to babies needing critical care and those born prematurely.
“We were more than happy to support both of these children’s units,” said Mr Thompson.
“We decided to run 100 kilometres, with the aim of raising £100,000 for them.”
Preparations for the run took a whole year, gaining sponsorship from a number of businesses, including: British Airways, Good Housekeeing, Runners World, Hayes Travel, and Seven Stars media agency.
We had to do this properly and safely, with all the right supplies and support to keep runners properly fueled and hydrated along the route,” Mr Thompson said.
“Running in the Caribbean is very different, and there were limited opportunities to practise sprinting in hot weather in the UK this summer.
“But in any case, you just can’t replicate Antiguan conditions.
“Once the sun rises there, temperatures rapidly reach 35 degrees celcius.
“We started running each day at 5.30am to be able to enjoy an hour and a half of cooler weather before sunrise, but even then it was 28 degrees celcius.”
Mr Thompson describes the run as beautiful, but tough.
“It was very hard going, and one runner collapsed on the first day,” he said.
“But the rest of the group managed to keep going, despite stifling heat and humidity.
“We were all extremely tired by the end, with blisters, pulled muscles and bruised toes, but the experience was exhilarating.”
The exotic route started at Dickenson Bay where resort and spa hotel Sandals Grande Antigua is located, and took the group past a number of island beauty spots.
Landmarks such as Jolly Harbour, English Harbour, Crab Hill, Nelson’s Dockyard and the Sir Viv Richards’ Cricket Stadium, lined the run, which ended with a beach party at Sandals Grande Antigua for local residents and event sponsors.
“We ran past the capital, into the hills, along coastal roads, and through rainforest,” continued Mr Thompson.
“Some of the views were breathtaking.
“A special moment for me was when we ran down hill towards the English harbour filled with yachts.
“The colours were amazing: verdant rainforest greens, azure blue ocean, and the brightly painted boats.
“It was visually spectacular.”
Another highlight for Mr Thompson was running for a great cause, with supportive colleagues.
“They made such a massive difference,” he said.
“We ran as a team, with all the humour and support and camaraderie that brings.
“Doing something like this really highlights human connection.
“Some of the group I had met only for the first time, but after completing this challenge together, I feel we know each other better as humans, not just as business partners.”
Remembering the children they were running for helped to keep the team going.
“We were delighted to be invited inside the neonatal ward afterwards, where we saw some of the children and babies who would benefit.
“It was very moving for all of us,” he said.
The run has surpassed the original funding target.
To date £101,216 has been raised, 100% of which will go to the two children’s health units.
“ I am over the moon,” he said.
“It was wonderful to learn about the hospital equipment that the staff needed, and which they can now purchase.
“It’s been an amazing challenge, and I think we’re different people now, having been able to come together in this way to make a difference.”
Would he do it again?
“I’m seriously considering whether to plan another event next year,” he said.
To donate to The Sandals Foundation Island Run – Antigua 2023, visit: www.justgiving.comand search for islandrun.
For information, visit: www.sandals.co.uk/island-run-2023www.sickkidsfoundation.comand www.msjmc.org
