Many congratulations to Andrew Pedder and Kevin Faulkner for successfully completing Race to the Stones over two days in mid-July 2024 and raising nearly £2,500.

Race to the Stones is the UK’s biggest ultramarathon. Those competing effectively take on two ultramarathons in two days – 50 kms per day. The route follows Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway, over high ground and through some of Southern England’s most ancient landscapes finishing by the 5000-year-old Avebury Standing Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Andrew is Lead Orthopaedic Practitioner in Kingston Hospital’s Trauma & Orthopaedics service. He and Kevin were recruited to take on this challenge by colleague Ian Gill, an orthopaedic surgeon at the hospital. Ian had successfully completed the London Marathon in support of Kingston Hospital Charity in 2022 and had been looking for a new challenge.

As Andrew explains:

“I had a chat with Ian towards the end of last year about taking on this ‘fun’ run in July as part of a team of three with him and Kevin. Next thing I know I’ve signed up for a double ultramarathon, having never run further than 5km, let alone 100km! After a few short months, Ian had had enough and threw the towel in by ensuring he fell while on a training run and breaking a hip. So, three became two and six months later, having run thousands of kilometres in training, we successfully completed our challenge, having acquired a few blisters along the route.

 “It was great to be involved in what was a very well organised event. Many of those taking part were raising money for their chosen charities and we were delighted to raise £2,430 to support the hospital’s orthopaedic service. We are planning to use the monies raised to improve the environment for the children we treat, making it more comfortable and welcoming, by adding wall murals and specialist lighting along with distractive toys.

 “Ian has since recovered from his broken hip and is busy planning our next challenge.”