Young event rider and British Eventing (BE) Youth Ambassador Tara Kay (19), ran a gruelling 50k in an ultramarathon at the annual Phoenix Running Doughnut Dash last weekend to raise funds for the BE Support Trust.
Tara was the fastest female runner and managed to complete in 4hrs 34mins. Her efforts were rewarded with the total raised standing at over an incredible £3,000, far reaching her initial goal of £1,950.
A working pupil on a Professional Event Yard who has competed at 3*, Tara is passionate about eventing, and an advocate for optimising rider’s physical and mental health and fitness. She was eager to undertake the challenge to help support and raise the profile of the work done by BE Support Trust. To support her on the day, British Eventing’s CEO Rosie Williams, who despite being injured, joined her on a 5k walk.
Tara commented on her experience, “I found a lot of enjoyment in the training process for the race. Everyone that is involved in any way with horses is well adapted to some of the more unpleasant weather conditions so I felt prepared in that sense but found the hardest training runs were the ones in the dark. In terms of the race, I had no idea what it would feel like to go the full distance so was apprehensive about that part of it, but was excited to see what I could do and immensely motivated by the kind messages and donations.
“The race was a constant mix of highs and lows with the cold causing some unexpected muscle spasms around 32km. At the forefront of my mind for the majority of the race was that this was very much “chosen pain” but for others, as a result of unfortunate circumstances they don’t have that ability to choose. I felt in a position of privilege because I am able to use my body to attempt challenges like this and that was a motivation. It was wonderful to have Rosie’s support on the day and great to know that she was out there doing her 5k at the start.
“I’m delighted to have the total currently standing at over £3k which is in excess of the £1,950 that I set out to raise. People have been so generous! Recovery-wise, I am definitely stiff but ready to be fully focused on winter training on the horses again!”
Rosie Williams, BE CEO, said: “Tara is incredible – a really dedicated and humble young lady. It was a pleasure to support her in this challenge, despite the fact that she went past me three times on my walk as I was so slow – I managed 3.3miles in 59 minutes. It would have taken Tara nearly 11 hours at my pace! Huge well done from all of us at BE!”
Jane Hunter Walsh, General Manager of BE Support Trust said: “On behalf of everyone at the BE Support Trust we would like to thank Tara for taking on the monumental task of an Ultra Marathon to raise funds for the charity. The amount raised will cover 46 rehabilitation sessions for our beneficiaries and help them get back to doing what they love; riding and being with their horses.”
If you’d like to contribute to Tara’s fundraiser, please click here https://bit.ly/4aBPkkh
To find out more about the BE Support Trust and how you can help, please visit https://besupporttrust.org.uk
