From Sunderland to Sheffield: Sunderland fans Alfie and Joe in marathon race against time
Written by Blake Burns on 27th February 2025
Two Sunderland fans are running four marathons in four days ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night.
Alfie Evans and Joe Hay, both 24, are running from the Stadium of Light to Hillsborough ahead of the Championship clash.
The Foundation of light needs to raise over £4 million each year to continue to support the local community and help those looking to get back into employment. They launched the Wear One Campaign at the beginning of the 24/25 campaign.
Alfie Evans, left, and Joe Hay, who are running four marathon in four days. Credit: Alfie Evans
£3 would give someone access to a healthy lifestyle fitness programme. £5 would teach a person how to cook healthy meals on a budget. £10 would pay for an older couple to attend activities to improve physical and mental wellbeing and £20 would teach a family how to cook healthy meals on a budget.
The pair kick-started their journey at the Beacon of Light on Tuesday morning, before moving from Darlington to Ripon on Wednesday and moving onto Wakefield on Thursday.
The three marathons equal a total distance of 158.5km (98.8 miles) and ahead of the final stretch of their mission, the pair have a 22-mile journey from Wakefield to Hillsborough remaining before the 8pm fixture.
Alfie said: “It’s been a huge challenge, but we are so determined to make tomorrow.
“The next 24 hours are going to be just as tough as the first three days but to be within reaching distance of Sheffield is going to get us there.
“The biggest challenge so far for me has been to get up every day with minimal recovery from the day before and do it all over again.
“It takes a good few kilometres to be able to feel your legs again as the start of the day is extremely discomforting.”
Joe said: “Today has been our biggest challenge, starting in Ripon and ending in Wakefield, covering over 60km on difficult terrain.
“We are really proud of how much everyone has raised. Even the smallest donations make a huge difference, and it all goes to helping the people of Sunderland live better lives.”
Joe Hay, left, and Alfie Evans, right. Credit: Alfie Evans
After receiving a good luck message from striker Wilson Isidor, the lads both predicted a Sunderland win: Joe a 2-1 win and Alfie, a 3-0 win.
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