Epic 100 day triathlon challenge in aid of the UK Police Memorial
The Editor of Police Professional’s attempt to complete 100 consecutive days of triathlons in aid of the UK Police Memorial will begin at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs’ Council Conference in Westminster.
Paul Lander aims to complete a 1,500m swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run every day for over three months, including Christmas Day.
Mr Lander starts his epic challenge on Wednesday (October 31) to coincide with an anniversary of the death of a former colleague.
Commenting on the biggest challenge of his life, Mr Lander said: “The UK Police Memorial is very dear to my heart. In 1984 when I was a serving police officer with West Yorkshire Police, one of my colleagues Sergeant John Speed was shot and killed outside Leeds Minster, whilst on duty, when he went to the aid of a colleague.
“His death had a profound impact on the whole city, and brought home how, every day, officers without hesitation step into danger to protect the rest of us.
“John was murdered on October 31 and I thought that it would be a fitting and personal tribute to him and his family to start my challenge on that day.”
The 100 Day challenge will see Mr Lander swim almost 100 miles, cycle for 2,500 miles and run for over 600 miles.
He has previously taken part in more than 30 triathlons over the last decade, and represented Great Britain in his age group at the 2014 Triathlon World Championships in Canada.
Mr Lander added: “This will be the most difficult challenge I have ever done, but as I begin each triathlon I will read the names of the officers who died on duty on that day. By completing each one I will honour their sacrifice, but also give gratitude to every officer who is out there now protecting the rest of us.”
Sir Hugh Orde, Chair of the UK Police Memorial Trust said: “This is an amazing challenge that Paul has set himself. The Trustees and I are extremely grateful to him for raising funds and awareness of the UK Police Memorial and we wish him every success. We hope that the public will get behind him and support him on his epic journey.”
To sponsor Paul please visit his Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/paul-lander3
For updates on the challenge visit the website www.tri100.uk
And for further detail about the Memorial please visit www.ukpolicememorial.org
