NTU Handball successfully complete 2020km challenge for NHS

The NTU handball team hit their target and raised £100 for the NHS by running 2020km.

More than 20 members took part in the challenge, which started on April 22, and it took them a month to reach their target.

Business Management and Marketing student Frank Arentz, 19, ran the most in the team as his total distance was 250.7 km, which is more than 155 miles.

On one day Frank even ran the distance of a half marathon in 1 hour 43 minutes and 27 seconds.

Frank said: “I am not a natural runner being 6”3 and 100kg so I found it difficult to run a high mileage at the start, however nearer the end I was hitting loads of new personal bests.

“I am thrilled to have run the most distance in the team as this was the goal I set myself at the start of the challenge.”

The club completed the distance solely by running, as daily walks or bike rides did not count.

NTU Handball President, Francisco Pereira, 20, said: “I couldn’t be any prouder of our whole club.

“Without our members we would have never been able to run and complete the full distance from Nottingham to Rome.”

The club decided to run from Nottingham to Rome not only because the distance is significant due to the year, but also because Italy was one of the countries hit hardest by COVID-19.

He added: “Personally the hardest part of this challenge was the last week because we were all getting tired as we were running pretty much every day.

“The pain didn’t stop us from completing it and it felt really good to finish it as well as being able to help the NHS.”

The 2020km run was the clubs first ever fundraising challenge, and they are keen to do more similar charitable projects in the future.

By Laycie Beck

Feature photo credit: NTU Handball

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