A year ago, Stevenage Phoenix runner Emma Mead invited her team members from the Stevenage Phoenix Running Club to join her in taking on Endure 24. “The event was a new challenge for us all”, Emma told us, “The goal? To run as many 8km laps as possible in 24 hours”.
Emma and the team quickly realised how hard it was to participate in an event that requires you to run, stop for a few hours, and then run again. “You’ll find it’s tough to handle different temperatures throughout the day. Running both in daylight and pitch black is challenging, and running while sleep-deprived is the hardest of all!”
Emma continues: “My 3am run was the one I thought would be my toughest. The temperature had dropped, and my attempted nap was cut short as I woke up shivering. Dressing and getting to the start line felt like a Herculean task. But as I ran, I felt immense pride in myself and everyone around me. It was dark and quiet, yet you could still feel the event’s energy. Just as I reached the last 2km, daylight began to break. What I thought would be my hardest run turned out to be my favourite and most memorable one.
“Endure 24 was well organised, from the booking process to the weekend’s end. The venue was lovely, and the staff and volunteers were wonderful. They made sure our experience was a good one, with posh toilets, delicious food vendors, a huge fire pit, and the unforgettable Flamingo Corner!
This event showed us what an amazing running community we have. People from all walks of life were there, taking on the same challenge—whether for personal achievement, as a team event, or to raise money and awareness for charity. We supported one another, shared stories, and, best of all, had fun”
Emma was joined by other Phoenix runners. Andy Liddle tells Love Stevenage about his experience: “Endure 24 was an entirely new challenge. I wanted to try something different from a normal race and was drawn to the opportunity to compete as part of a team.”
Whilst Andy found the event challenging, there were many best bits. “The team spirit and camaraderie were hands down the best part. Usually, the tough stages of races become a personal mental battle, but at Endure 24, we all supported each other through the different stages of the run.”
“The worst part,” Andy continues, “was the cold! The nights got really chilly, and while running in the early hours was fun and surreal, camping during those hours was a very cold experience.”
Another Phoenix runner, Pete Tungate, had his own unique experience. He shared this memorable moment: “Getting out of a warm sleeping bag after an hour and a half power nap to run my fourth 5-mile lap in the pitch black and freezing cold at 2am was not something I had trained for. But I don’t sign up to do these things because they are easy. I do them for all the different challenges they bring!”
Finally, Phoenician Jodie Kantas, shares her memories of the event:
“After a cold, sleepless night in the tent, we waited until 12pm to start. The mass start was exhilarating—the only time so many would be on the course at once. Waiting in the pen to take over from your teammate felt like race jitters. There was no pressure, but we all wanted to do well for our team. Although we were in teams of four, it felt like all twelve of us were one big team.”
“Endure 24 was more than just a race for Team Phoenix” explains Emma proudly. “It was a test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience. We faced the physical and mental challenges together, supporting each other every step of the way. The event was well-organised, the atmosphere was electric, and the camaraderie was unforgettable.
If you’re considering taking on Endure 24, don’t hesitate. You’ll find it’s an experience like no other. The memories, friendships, and sense of achievement you’ll gain are priceless. So, lace up your running shoes, gather your team, and get ready to endure the challenge. We’ll see you at the next race!”
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