Determined staff at University College Birmingham have sweated it out for a full 24 hours in an endurance event on campus to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Lecturers from the University's Department of Sport and Nutrition rowed, ran and cycled their way through day and night as part of the UCB 24-hour Endurance Challenge last week in support of Diabetes UK.

The gruelling challenge was held at the cutting-edge Human Performance Centre in Moss House, with the team jogging ceaselessly up and down the facility's 35m indoor running track as well as burning up energy on the rowing machines and exercise bikes.

Starting at midday on 15 March, the participants took it in turns to maintain the three activities throughout the duration of the challenge, with many staying on campus overnight, while others joined in along the way.

Boosted by a range of sports drinks and food items donated by sports nutrition firm Nutrition X, the athletes were further helped by students on the University's Sports Therapy BSc (Hons) course, who were on hand to help with much-needed massages and treatment to help everyone over the line.

Meanwhile Sports Management BA (Hons) students constructed and managed the social media marketing of the event, which was livestreamed on Facebook, with many members of the University’s community sharing dozens of comments in support of those taking part.

And having initially aimed to raise £1,000 for Diabetes UK, the team's incredible efforts had already attracted almost double that target by the time the final whistle sounded at midday on 16 March – and have so far raised more than £3,500.

Sports lecturer Carl Bennett, who oversaw the organisation of the challenge, explained the inspiration behind the event.

"The aims were to provide opportunities for our students to support a real-time event, create a team-building experience for lecturers and raise awareness of the University, all while raising money for a worthwhile cause," said Carl. "The support from everyone was overwhelming."

The whistle to start and finish the event was sounded by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Michael Harkin, who praised the team on their achievement.

"I was delighted to set the timer going on the amazing 24-hour sporting endurance event being undertaken by our staff, raising funds for such an important cause," said Michael. "All of the staff participating trained incredibly hard for the event.

"I and everyone at the University are extremely proud of their commitment to such a great cause. They are a great example to all of their students, whom they support so brilliantly in the wonderful Human Performance Centre where they undertook the event.

"Unsurprisingly there were some very sore and aching bodies emerging from the 24 hours, so it was very helpful that our excellent sports therapy students were there on hand to support in the final hours, working their magic on the team.

"Thank you also to the many staff who supported on social media, with food and refreshments and giving support and encouragement throughout."

About our Human Performance Centre

Based at our £44m Moss House campus, University College Birmingham’s Human Performance Centre is a state-of-the-art facility offering a wide range of equipment for students on our sports degree courses.

Opened in 2020, the centre features a 35m indoor running track with force plate, lifting platforms, rowing machines and 84-inch screens for teaching.

The centre is also the home of our dedicated Human Performance Laboratory, boasting specialist industry equipment including an AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer, Monark LC7 cycle ergometer and SECA body composition analyser.

In addition to supporting our students with their practical learning, the centre is also used by professional athletes and sports teams for training purposes.

Want to know more? Explore University College Birmingham’s cutting-edge sports facilities in depth here.

Are you interested in a career in sport? Discover our wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and college courses within our Department of Sport and Nutrition.