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Eastbourne man gets set to run solo across Kenya
AN ULTRA endurance runner from Eastbourne is attempting to run solo across Kenya after local people voted for him to win a British Airways competition.
Chris Howarth, 28, who is from Ocklynge Road and works at Sussex Downs College, will attempt to become the first ever person to run more than 1,000 miles solo across the whole of Kenya, covering more than 30 miles each day.
He was crowned winner of BA's Great Britons thanks to the people of Eastbourne.
Chris won return flights to Nairobi, access to the BA Executive Lounge and a Panasonic camcorder to record his epic experience.
He told the Eastbourne Herald, "I'm delighted to have won. It is a fantastic competition and winning it has meant so much, not only to me but to everyone involved in my 'Run Kenya' project.
"It has taken more than six months to prepare and organise Run Kenya. There have been many logistical and organisational challenges to overcome alongside completing hours of training across the South Downs.
"All the hard work that I've put in and the great support of individuals and organisations in Kenya and the UK will ensure that Run Kenya achieves all of its ambitions and supports some of Kenya's most vulnerable children, and I'll feel proud when I reach Mombasa on August 31st and become the first ever person to have run across the entire country."
Chris made the shortlist of eight after going before a panel of judges, including Olympian Denise Lewis. The finalists then faced the public vote to decide the winner. He is taking on this challenge to push his own limits as an ultra endurance runner and to raise awareness and money to help some of Kenya's poorest children living on the streets.
Chris previously spent more than a year working in Kenya for street children charity Action for Children in Conflict developing a creative arts project called 'Hear Our Voice' which helps to rehabilitate and support street children through theatre, poetry and music.
This experience, and Chris' many years of distance running competitions, have provided the inspiration for him to take on the extreme Kenya challenge.
The British Airways travel bursary programme is giving away up to 180 flights a year until 2012 to talented individuals who need a helping hand to realise their dreams. Further info at www.greatbritons.ba.com
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
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Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
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