Charity founder battles snow, snakes and black widow spiders during 3,000 mile bike ride - The Leamington Observer

Charity founder battles snow, snakes and black widow spiders during 3,000 mile bike ride

Leamington Editorial 20th Jul, 2018   0

A FUND-RAISING charity founder battled snow, snakes and black widow spiders to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Founder of Kids Run Free, Martine Verweij and husband Brian cycled more than 100 miles a day for 26 consecutive days to complete the 2725 mile Tour Divide Race – the longest off-road cycle route in the world.

The duo raised more than £4,000 for the charity, which sees running events take place twice a month at Newbold Comyn and across the country.

The husband and wife team started their ride in Banff, Canada and ended in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. They spent more than 16 hours a day in the saddle and cycled through intense heat and violent storms and even saw grizzly bears and deadly snakes along the way.




They say the money raised will be used to support running events for children and improve programmes in schools.

Martine said: “Our local events, like the one in at Newbold Comyn in Leamington Spa are at the heart of our mission to inspire every child to run and be active.


“All our events are free for children everywhere, but it’s a constant battle to keep funding coming in.

“The Tour Divide was one the toughest challenges I’ve ever encountered but knew we needed to do something to make people sit up and take notice of the important work we do at Kids Run Free.

Visit www.martineverweij.com to donate or find out more.

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