Yesterday we reported on the amazing Tony Mangan, who returned home after becoming the first Irishman to run around the world, but there was another feat of unlikely ultrarunning that also reached its conclusion yesterday. Francis Benali, the 45-year-old former Southampton FC player, has completed a 1,000 mile run in just 21 days in an attempt to raise funds for cancer research. He completed the feat yesterday with a lap of St Mary's stadium, to the delight of the 29,000 in attendance.
He began at St James Park and visited every Premier League stadium on his way to the south coast of England. Redditor deepart provided some fascinating stats about his journey:
Francis needed to complete a minimum of 40 miles per day. He averaged 46. During the run a total of 1,178,937 steps were taken and he burned through 85,696 calories. Another way to break down the 1,000 mile run would be to say Francis completed 36 and a half marathons, back to back and in 21 days.
Said Benali himself:
Every step has been worth it to come home. This is home,
The pain and discomfort I've experienced on this challenge has been quite often and quite difficult and tough, but I've had my wife and children and my support team have been absolutely increible. They've kept me going.
The pain that I've experienced is nothing 9compared to) anyone goes through to see a loved one either suffering from cancer or dying from cancer, so I want to help try and help bring an end to cancer.
Football has been my life but there is life after football. This has been an incredible experience. And I hope to spend some time and look back on it and reflect upon it one day. And I'm sure I'll look back on it with great affection.'
You can donate to his worthy cause here. The final moments of his journey as recorded by a Saints fan:
Here he is giving his reaction to finishing in such fine style.
And here's an example of why he was so loved at the Dell. Should never have been red.
