May 02, 2024 - 298 views
Romeo Ciotec, 34, an assistant hotel manager of Llandudno, will tackle the revered 24hrs South – Offa’s Dyke 24 race later this month.
The gruelling event of sees competitors set off from the start of the borderlands path in the coastal town of Prestatyn and aim for the finish in Sedbury near Chepstow, some 177 miles away.
Romeo said: “I am originally from Romania and came here to work in 2015 and have always felt very welcomed in Wales.
“I have been running since I was 12 years-old, having been part of an athletics club and have done some long cycling events like North Wales to Cardiff and along the Daunube River from Romania to Bulgaria.”
Speaking of his inspiration for taking on this challenge, Romeo explained: “I lost my father to cancer last Christmas, his kindness and wisdom touched our family in so many ways it left a huge void in our lives.
“I have long played with the idea of doing something over a greater distance and also wanted to give back to the community here and play a part in helping society whilst honouring my father.
“A friend introduced me to Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices and I felt it was the perfect choice to help the children and families here facing very difficult times to not go on that journey alone.
“Doing something of this distance does involve breaking down, feeling low and then high. That’s what it’s about, navigating this much like life, really.
“That’s why it’s appealing to me, to see if I could push it past the 20 hour mark.”
With several points along the way set aside for food and drink, Romeo is hoping to at least make it past the 76 mile checkpoint at Forden. The course record stands at 89.42 miles.
Hope House Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser, Andy Everley will be supporting Romeo and said: “This is one of the toughest challenges out there and we respect Romeo for taking it on for our hospices.
“We know with his motivation and experiences that he will give it 100% and every penny he raises will go directly to the care of seriously ill local children and their families. We thank him so much for this brave effort.”
To sponsor Romeo please click here.
