It has been quite the challenge – a marathon a day to get from his birthplace in Catalonia back to near his home in Battersea. But the ‘tough and incredible adventure’ was all done for a worthy cause.
Cain Christoforou, of St Gerorge’s Square, Pimlico, started out a month ago on March 8 in Sant Pere de Ribes near Barcelona and has averaged 50km a day on his great hike.
He finally rolled back into Battersea Park yesterday evening after completing his 1,600km trek in 32 days, having run between six and eight hours most days.
Week one saw him work his way through the Pyrenees and some of the toughest elevation days. Weeks two and three incorporated southern France and the famous fortress town of Carcassonne.
Last week, the last leg included Paris up to Calais before the final stretch from Dover to London.
Cain’s motivation not just about pushing physical limits but also about breaking down barriers to sports access for disadvantaged and disabled young people in aid of Access Sport – a national charity which equips and supports community sports clubs, with disadvantaged kids the target benefactors.
Cain, 30, grew up in Spain with British-Cypriot roots, and says sport has always played a huge role in his life and he hopes to have raised £25k for the cause.
Speaking soon after completing his run, he said: “It feels amazing and surreal to complete this challenge back in London surrounded by so many friends and family running and cheering the final few kilometres.
“It’s been a tough but incredible adventure and I’m particularly grateful to my parents joining me the whole way as the support team.
“Sport had been a huge part of my life and allowed me to meet so many friends, and I recognise how important Access Sport’s work is to allow others less fortunate to do the same.
“I’ll enjoy a day or two off but may have to start thinking about the next big thing.”
Before setting out, he said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to try my hand at many different sports, and they’ve played a huge role in shaping who I am today. But not everyone gets those same opportunities.
“For many children and young people, barriers like cost, accessibility, and lack of inclusive spaces mean they are often left on the sidelines.”
Pictured top: Cain, centre, surrounded by friends and well-wishers at the end of his run from Iberia (Picture: Cain Christoforou)
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