A cricketer is taking on a unique ultramarathon to raise funds for his club - and to help banish the winter blues.
Ainsdale’s Alex Rigby is running a 52-mile route that touches on every ‘L’ postcode to help the Love Lane Liverpool Competition club install new nets at their Liverpool Road home.
It’s a logistical challenge as well as a physical one - and Rigby has left nothing to chance.
The 31-year-old said: “There’s 40 postcodes. I’m starting at Burscough, then making my way all the way down to Speke, then back up to Formby.
“I’ve had to find a specific route to make sure I can do it as fast as possible.
“When the cricket season finishes, I suffer a little bit with my mental health, so I like to stay busy over the winter. It’s a good challenge to distract me.
“I started planning it in September, working out the fastest route.
“The best time to raise money isn’t before Christmas, so I’ve put it off until February.
“I do loads of running anyway - I just thought, what’s different and unique.
“I’ve run 10 marathons and numerous half-marathons in the past so it’s just the norm - I wanted to do something to keep me busy.”
Rigby says interest in the run has snowballed, including sponsorship from local businesses on his vest.
And ahead of the real deal on Saturday, he’s paced out the route in four sections to make sure there are no dead ends to surprise him.
He added: “I’m just praying that the weather’s alright.”
To help Alex and Ainsdale out, click here.
