The weight of a kayak rest’s on Dave’s shoulders! Runner completes 22km running challenge carrying his kayak

A RUNNING and kayaking enthusiast combined his two interests to create one epic challenge – running 22km off-road route, whilst carrying a 15-foot long racing kayak on his shoulders! 

Frome local, Dave Chant, completed the route last month in just over 3 hours, and is now encouraging people to donate to Cancer Research UK. 

The challenge was a similar to one he completed last year in December, but with a twist – this year’s challenge was double the distance, with a kayak three times the length! 

Dave, who is a member of the Avon Valley Runners Club, said, “Having completed one lap in last year’s challenge, it was decided that for it to remain a challenge, the distance for this year’s attempt should be raised to double to make things interesting, raise more interest and therefore more money! 

“Typically, after six months of training the arranged date for the challenge to take place coincided with a storm with 50mph winds, sleet, snow, rain and hail, not to mention fallen trees blocking our way in places, as well as lots of surface water and thick mud – none of which deterred my trusty band of support runners who accepted the weather as part of the challenge and helped make the morning the success it became!   

“The total time running was just over 3 hours, during which time the boat was never put down. Considering there are roughly 26 obstacles such as gates and stiles per lap of the course, I’m sure you can imagine the physical effort involved in the event. Add on the training involved in the run up, you can also imagine as well as the sore shoulders afterwards!” 

To support Dave and donate to Cancer Research UK, visit the website: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/dave-chant-24k-off-road-portage