Dr. C. Rashaad Shabab, Teaching Fellow in Economics and founder of the Business School Runners and Ramblers Group has run 100 miles along the South Downs Way to raise awareness of exam stress, as part of England Athletics #RunAndRevise campaign.

On 8 June, Rashaad took part in the South Downs Way 100, a running race along the whole of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne. He completed the event in 18 hours, 41 minutes and was placed 20th overall. In total, a record 305 runners finished one of the UK’s most hotly contested 100 mile events. Rashaad also broke the record for the fastest 100 mile race run by a Bangladeshi.

Rashaad attributes his success to his longstanding relationship with Sussex. He said:

“The fact that our campus is in the South Downs National Park was a huge advantage for me. At the stage where I’m usually struggling with motivation and disorientation, being so close to campus felt like I was at home. I knew every inch of the trail and kept thinking of all the friends, colleagues and students I had run these trails with. These positive thoughts spurred me on to a strong finish."

“I started running to cope with the stress of my graduate school exams and the England Athletics #RunAndRevise campaign encourages running as a great way for students to combat exam stress.”

Taking part in this initiative, Rashaad has highlighted the benefits of running in his recent blog.