Run reaches 2,222 mile finale in Exeter

Twenty-one-year-old Gilbert Toby Ip aims to complete an incredible year-long challenge in Exeter High Street on New Year’s Eve.

Gilbert, an ex Student of Queen’s College Taunton who is currently studying at Bath University, set himself the enormous target of running 2014 miles during 2014, all in aid of Help for Heroes and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. 

Having completed 2014 miles during early December he simply moved his goal to 2,222 miles - culminating in a staggering 100km ultra-marathon on New Year’s Eve.

Gilbert has chosen to complete his epic challenge in Exeter where he has spent a lot of time with the Steward family.

Posted on Facebook by Gilbert on Sunday 28 December: “Ho ho hooo, hope everyone had a fab Christmas!! Finally finished the 43 half marathons in a row and only the punishing 100km run on NYE left to do after running 393 times this year. The route has been drawn by my main man Merrick Steward and I will be joined by 17 other runners along the way. I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that’s supported me along the way, it’s been a long and tough year but the finishing line is in sight – please donate to my chosen charities.”

Starting from Heavitree at 4.30am on Wednesday 31 December Gilbert will first run to Honiton and back... Having completed that he will cut through the city, down to the river and along to Starcross before heading back through Cowley.

Finally the route takes him back through Marsh Barton and Alphington, along the Topsham Road and up through Heavitree before reaching the finish line at Artigiano Espresso and Wine Bar, 248 High Street Exeter, where a welcoming committee will be waiting with champagne and huge congratulations.  The finish is expected at around 4.30pm.

Gilbert will be supported by many old friends who will take it in turns to run a few miles with him, friends will also be cycling and driving a support vehicle.

Find out more on Gilbert's Facebook page.