Machynys pair tackle eight marathons for charity

Machynys Peninsula pair Mark Govier and Gareth Burgess are set to complete a combined eight marathons over 24 hours in the Llanelli-based club’s gym.

Head professional Govier and fitness manager Burgess will run, cycle and row together as they complete four marathons each throughout the night.

They will spend the first 26 miles on the treadmill, then tackle the rowing machine, followed by exercise bikes, and conclude by returning to the treadmill.

Govier said: “We initially suggested one marathon and then two before bravado came in and we eventually settled on doing eight.”

They will keep themselves awake by watching films and sport on the gym’s televisions. But they are not going to take it easy afterwards. They have organised a charity night at the club and one of the star auction prizes is a pair of rugby star George North’s boots – as worn at the Six Nations.

Govier became one of the youngest qualified PGA Professionals in the UK at the age of 20 while at Clyne Golf Club. He then played on mini tours before joining Hensol Golf Academy in Cardiff as head professional. He fulfilled a similar role at Morriston Golf Club in Swansea for eight years until his move to Machynys in 2012.

He said: “I am dreading the rowing section but we have both been training hard with plenty of road running and cycling to boost our fitness. It’s just going to be a case of egging each other on.”

Govier, 36, and Burgess, 31, are raising funds for the Better Life Appeal, the charity of the Welsh Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre based in Llandough Hospital in Cardiff. It looks after adults from across Wales who have Cystic Fibrosis and Mark has been inspired by a friend who has the genetic condition. He has already raised £10,000.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/gareth-mark8marathons