North Shields gym stepping up to help lifesaving group

A North Shields gym is stepping up to help raise funds for lifesavers.
Will Hogg (in pink) leads the King Eddies Stairs Challenge at King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth.Will Hogg (in pink) leads the King Eddies Stairs Challenge at King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth.
Will Hogg (in pink) leads the King Eddies Stairs Challenge at King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth.

Family-run ClassFit is going head to head – or step for step – with coastal runners in aid of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade.

They are aiming to beat last year’s total of £3,000 in the King Eddie’s Stairs Challenge, which saw them complete 292,370 steps at King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth.

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ClassFit co-owner Katie Elliott said: “We've been running ClassFit gym near North Shields Fish Quay for over three years now, and wanted to give something back to the community.

"When ClassFit member Will Hogg told us about his stair training, we decided to combine the two and launch the stairs challenge.

"Last August was our first challenge and we had an amazing turnout, with around 80 people running relay stints from the bottom of the northernmost staircase, along the top path and back down the slope into the bay.

"Some people like lifeguards Will and Sandy Kerr ran for the entire eight hours, a total of 40 miles over 102 laps.

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"But this event is for everyone – the atmosphere and team spirit was addictive."

Will said: "This is a brilliant event for a brilliant cause.”

This year's challenge takes place on Saturday, June 29, from 10am to 6pm. Entry is £15. To enter visit www.kingeddiestairchallenge.co.uk, or make a donation at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kingeddiesstairchallenge