A runner hopes to complete one of the world’s most famous endurance cycling races – on foot. Pete Thompson will set off from the Vendee Pays de Loire region of France on May 19 with the aim of running the full Tour de France route in 70 days.
Pete, of Bournemouth, Dorset, has a seven-week lead on the professional riders and will need to run around 30 miles each day.
In total, he will run all 21 stages of the gruelling course, covering 2,069 miles and 27,000 metres of ascent. This is the equivalent of climbing Everest more than three times.
Pete, who is a mental health campaigner, has called his challenge Marathons for the Mind. He is raising money for two mental health charities, Mind and Livability, a disability charity that connects people with their communities.
He is also an ambassador for watch brand Elliot Brown, which is encouraging people to donate £10 to Pete’s cause and in turn will be offered the chance to win an engraved Elliot Brown watch. To be entered, simply include the words “Elliot Brown, good for the Mind” when donating.
Pete during his last challenge.
Last year, Pete raised £19,000 for mental health charities when he ran 44 marathons in 44 countries. He won a regional Pride of Britain Award along the way.
Pete said: “I’m someone who feels on top of the world one day, then wants to hide away the next. I never used to speak to anyone about this and what happens during these periods of self-isolation and how I disengage and alienate the people closest to me.
“We all have mental health, like we have physical health. By talking more openly about it, we develop understanding and, importantly, help to educate.”
Pete talks about mental health issues.
Founder of Elliot Brown, Ian Elliot said: “Pete is an incredible inspiration to us. His bravery and dedication are something to behold. The causes are close to everyone’s heart.”