Camelford runner aims to run fastest ever lap of Cornwall to raise money for Alzheimer’s
She'll be honouring her mum - who was diagnosed with the disease in 2023
A runner from Camelford is attempting to set the fastest known time for a lap of Cornwall - to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and honour her mum - who was diagnosed with the disease in 2023.
Across this week (from 29th September), Elsey Davis will run approximately 400 miles with 60,000ft of elevation, more than two times the elevation of Everest, with the aim of becoming the first person to ever complete this course.
The 36-year-old professional trail runner is hoping to complete the challenge in a week, covering 100km a day (63 miles), which she estimates will take her around 16 hours each day.
Due to the time of year, Elsey's preparing to face storms and winds of up to 60mph, with wet conditions, blisters and swollen feet.
She tells us she's never attempted anything of this magnitude in a single week before: “Anything could happen, but doing it for my mum is going to make it that bit easier.”
“I wanted to do something big and scary"
She tells us how she settled on the idea: “Originally, I wanted to run the whole of the southwest coast path but then a friend sent me the circuit of Cornwall FKT and the chance to loop around my home country appealed so much more.
“I wanted to do something big and scary, beyond anything I have ever done before since I have a strong driving force and reason - doing it for my mum and raising money for Alzheimer’s.
“I mostly feel excited for the challenge and making a difference the best way I can – with my feet so that anyone else going through this cruel disease, now and in the future, has better support and better treatments.
“And when the tough moments come on the run, and I am sure they will, I will remind myself of my ‘why’ and the fact that I am privileged to be able to do this.”
"You must make memories while you can and live presently"
Elsey's hoping her efforts will inspire others to take on the challenge to try and beat her time: “Physically this may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done but nothing’s as scary as my mum’s diagnosis, so I’m not really scared of the challenge – I’m excited.
“The most I’ve ever run in one week is about 110miles. I have a plan to do a certain amount each day, and the hope is to do it in less than seven, but I don’t know how I’m going to feel having never been in that position before.
“What the disease has taught me is that you must make memories while you can and live presently. I have faith that is going to get me round and doing it for my mum is going to make it that bit easier.”
Elsey will set off from Lands End, running the entire perimeter of Cornwall back to Lands End.
Most of the run will take place through the daylight hours with time for recovering and rest at night before another gruelling day on the trails.
She is raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.