TWO fitness fans who Googled a town’s streets so they could run down every one are poised to finish their charity challenge on Sunday – with BBC TV cameras capturing their relief at completing almost 100 miles (5 November).
Ian Jackson, 56, and his son-in-law Oliver Finch, 38, have spent more than a month jogging along all the backroads and cul-de-sacs in Ilkeston.
Warehouse worker Ian said: “Google revealed there were 644 streets – and we’ve been running three times a week. People see us heading up dead ends and think we’re mad!”
The pair’s final leg will see them set out at 9am from where they first started – The Copse, which is near the Mallard pub.
They will run down Heanor Road and up Bath Street to Ilkeston Town Hall, where they hope to complete their Run Ilson feat between 9.20am and 9.30am.
Ian said: “The BBC will have cameras there filming the end. We would love it if anyone would like to run with us or be on the Market Place cheering us on.”
The pair are raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK and the local Ben’s Den charity, which offers holiday breaks for sick children and their families.
They originally aimed to raise £644 – a quid for every street. But the total has hit almost £1,200. To back them click on:
https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/run-ilson-running-all-644-streets-of-ilkeston
Erewash councillor Claire Marie Poole, who is the authority’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, previously urged townsfolk: “Give them a wave when they come to a street near you.”
She said ahead of Sunday’s grand finale: “Ian and Oliver are a credit to the borough. We hope they get a great big cheer from locals as they reach the finish line.”
