Dunwoody would | 07-10-2009
Dunwoody would
In 1809 (England), in an era of gambling and sporting achievement, Captain Robert Barclay was given the ultimate challenge - to walk '1000 miles in 1000 hours for 1000 guineas'. Barclay accepted and including side bets the wager was worth over 16,000 guineas. At the time this was equivalent to over 320 years average income.
On 12th July 1809, after much torrential rain, coughs, colds, strained ligaments, severe toothache and losing 3 stone, Captain Robert Barclay succeeded and became a very wealthy man. It was hailed as ‘one of the greatest human feats ever attempted.’
Exactly 200 years later, three-time Champion Jockey Richard Dunwoody was asked if he would dare repeat the challenge. Of course he would!
On 29th May 2009, Richard started the “1000 Mile Challenge” to walk the same mile 1000 consecutive times (from the Bedford Lodge in Newmarket, up the Bury Road) for a 1000 consecutive hours. It meant he had to walk one mile in every consecutive hour 24 hours a day. The challenge would take 42 days with the maximum of an hour and 20 minutes sleep at any one time.
In 1809 when Captain Robert Barclay reached mile 607 the effects of sleep deprivation had begun to take their toll. Barclay famously requested to be whipped with a stick to keep him awake to complete his walk and win his 1,000-guinea wager.
On June 23 2009 I was there to see that Richard passed the halfway point in his bid to walk the 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours.
On July 10th 2009 Richard Dunwoody successfully completed his 1,000 mile charity walk with Lester Piggot joining him for his final mile. Other walkers who have joined him on his way include Jilly Cooper, John McCririck and his His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, ruler of Dubai.
Richard's remarkable challenge has so far raised in excess of £100,000. The benefitting charities are: Alzheimer's Society, SPARKS, Racing Welfare and Spinal Research. Donations can be made via his website: