After clocking up the miles for over 5 months, the players, friends and family of Kempston Rugby have completed an astonishing virtual pentathlon – covering the equivalent distance of a full round trip from the Kempston Hammers ground to Johannesburg and back – all to raise much needed funds for MAGPAS Air Ambulance and Looseheadz Mental Health Charity.

Back on the 6th February, on a cold day in lockdown, Kempston Rugby set off on what was set to be a one-way virtual trip to Johannesburg, with club members, partners and their children challenged to run, walk, swim, cycle, scooter, toddle and even crawl the 9,755 miles between Bedford and Johannesburg before the kick off of the Lions vs South Africa rugby match on July 24th.

As solo exercising was about the only thing that lockdown restrictions allowed, and with no in-person rugby training on the horizon, each individual member of the fundraising squad set to work on racking up the miles and raising money for MAGPAS and Looseheadz - charities that are close to the team’s hearts. But it quickly became apparent that they were covering ground at a much faster pace than they had anticipated. By 18th May, they had already reached Johannesburg, ticking off major landmarks and milestones on their way.

To keep the journey interesting, the team virtually ‘visited’ Luxemburg, Monaco, and Gibraltar Airport (a building designed by the club’s sponsors 3D Reid), and the guys even got an inspiring shout out from South African International Elton Jantijes.

Rather than quitting while they were ahead, the team decided to redouble their efforts and make the return virtual journey to the Hammers ground in time for the big game. The team’s hard work and determination paid off and, with an extra boost from cleverly putting a rowing machine in the club’s bar during the game, Kempston RFC completed their ‘Bedford to Burg and Back’ challenge and the team crossed the finish line just after the final whistle.

Alex Redford, Kempston RFC Club Chairman, said: “I am so proud of the lads and of all the Kempston rugby family who have taken the time and put in the work to complete this gargantuan challenge. We hadn’t been able to train together or play rugby for such a long time and so having this virtual pentathlon to work towards has kept the team bonded and motivated during what has been a tough winter for everyone. It also helps that it’s kept us all fit and ready for the new season!

“We are so happy to have completed the challenge and would like to encourage people to continue to donate to our page so we can raise as much as possible for our brilliant charities – MAGPAS and Looseheadz – who are doing such important work. A huge shout out to the event organisers – Zak Miller, Rachel Cameron, Tom Trinder and Michael Ward – who have gone above and beyond to make this such a success.”

Pre-season training begins for Kempston RFC on Thursday 29th July from 7-9pm and anyone interested in getting back into rugby and joining the team is welcome to come along to their first session.

To help the team reach their target, you can donate to the Kempston RFC fundraising page at - https://justgiving.com/fundraising/bedstoburg

To find out more about joining Kempston RFC next season, visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/kempstonrfc/ or check out Kempton RFC on Facebook.