Josh Llewellyn-Jones is on a mission to prove that people with cystic fibrosis are capable of anything as he gears up to tackle the Cardiff and Vale College Cardiff Bay Run.
The 29-year-old will join 5,000 runners on the start line of the new 10k race on Sunday 2nd April – wearing an altitude mask to replicate conditions at 12,000ft.
The race boasts a stunning route around Cardiff’s historic Bay – so he’ll at least have the iconic sights of the Wales Millennium Centre, Pierhead Building, Senedd, Porth Teigr, Norwegian Church and Cardiff Bay Barrage to take his mind off the gruelling challenge.
Josh was born with the life-limiting genetic condition, which causes the internal organs, (especially the lungs and digestive system) to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.
Currently, half of those who die from CF are aged 28 or younger, but Josh manages his through a demanding exercise regime.
“Bringing more awareness to CF is the big thing for me, it’s vital,” said Josh. “I have had hundreds of messages from parents of CF sufferers since I embarked on this challenge.
“It’s so inspiring to know people are getting their kids into sport and exercise on the back of this. If I can help just one CF sufferer to start pushing themselves then it will all be worth it.
“The Cardiff and Vale College Cardiff Bay Run is all about me stepping up my training and really going for it at a competitive pace – I might even throw a bike ride in before-hand! I need to see how my body copes with a step up in intensity.
“I have been brought up to love competing and I’m actually enjoying the pain of pushing my body to the limit and seeing how far I can go.”
Doctors gave Josh a 10per cent chance of making it through his first night, but 29 years on he is about to undertake a gruelling fitness challenge called 24 Hours 4 CF.
He will aim to complete a 100-mile cycle, a 10-mile run, a 10-mile row, 10 miles of cross training, a two-mile swim, lifting 100 tonnes, 3,000 sit-ups, 1,000 press-ups, and 1,000 squats all in 24-hours.
Josh aims to raise £100,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, who are the Official Charity Partner of the Cardiff Bay Run.
A sea of yellow ‘Team CF’ runners will be out in force on race day, running to make a difference for thousands of people living with the condition, their families and carers.
To follow Josh’s journey and to help him reach his goal, head over to 24hrs4cf.com. All donations go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
If you fancy having a go at the 10K run yourself (altitude mask non-compulsory!), a limited number of entries are still available. You can sign up at www.cardiffbayrun.co.uk.
Set in the heart of Cardiff’s historic Bay, the Cardiff and Vale College Cardiff Bay Run is a flat, fast and friendly event for all ages and abilities.
*The Cardiff Bay Run is organised by Run 4 Wales, the delivery team behind the Cardiff Half Marathon. Entries start at £19 and will close on Thursday 9th March, or when the race reaches its capacity. There’s no time to waste – with over 80per cent of entries now sold.