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Preston man on his way to run full length of Thailand in 50 days for local orphanages

Posted on - 18th February, 2024 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Charities, Education, Fulwood, Health, People, Preston News, Proud Preston, Schools, Sport
Chris Russell aims to complete the challenge in 50 days. Pic: Chris Russell
Chris Russell aims to complete the challenge in 50 days. Pic: Chris Russell

A man from Preston is well on his way to running the full length of Thailand, which is just over 2,100km, in 50 days.

Chris Russell, 33, who lives in Fulwood, is a keen runner and has already completed 1,674km since beginning his trek on 12 January in Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand which borders Burma.

He decided to take on the challenge to raise money for local schools and orphanages in Thailand, with an end goal of £5,000.

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Chris has met some of the friendly Thai residents. Pic: Chris Russell

Chris said: “It’s very hot every day and the dogs are very territorial.

“But the Thai people are amazingly friendly and kind, and the Thai diet is perfect running fuel”

Chris documents his array of experiences in the country on his social media pages. He has been given free Thai food by a local restaurant owner, free fruit, offered lifts on motorbikes and even chased by unfriendly dogs.

He added: “At the moment my legs are feeling surprisingly fine, but I have definitely had quite a few different injury issues.

“These were mostly in the first half of the run, and mainly tendon issues.”

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Chris running through the hot streets of Thailand. Pic: Chris Russell

Despite the small issues, Chris is on track for a 50-day finish, with only 10 days left to run and £2500 already in the fundraising pot.

The money will go towards schools and orphanages in the northeast of Thailand, supporting children with mental disabilities such as autism, which Chris visited before beginning.

All his progress is tracked on his social media pages, with daily updates, stories and pictures. You can follow his Instagram account @rustyontherun and donate to the GoFundMe page here.

His progress report, designed by @michaeldsgns on Instagram.

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