Pounding the streets on a winter's night is not most people's idea of fun – but for Usk councillor Tony Kear and seven other amateur runners from Cardiff, the training is little in comparison to the challenge they have set themselves in aid of Cancer Research Wales.
Tomorrow (2nd December), they will attempt to run from Cardiff Bay to Bull Bay on Anglesey – and then turn around and return to Cardiff on Sunday 5th December – some 420 miles.
Their aim is to raise £20,000 for Cardiff-based Cancer Research Wales.
The team is planning to complete the grueling run non-stop by covering the distance in a relay, with each runner estimated to cover 55 miles each.
Cllr Kear is joined by race organiser David Ricketts (44) from Lisvane and his team of friends, Alistair Holland (37), Chris Jones (43), Paul Newman (37), Jonathan Davies (24), Matthew Thomas (28), John Butler (38) and Mark Thomas (29).
The runners will be supported by a team of three physiotherapists and six drivers.
The incredible challenge has inspired Welsh sporting greats Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies and Nigel Walker to join them on the final leg of the run through the streets of Cardiff to their finishing line at the Roald Dahl Plass in front of The Wales Millennium Centre at 3pm on Sunday 5th December.
For three team members, the decision to repeat the adventure of 2008 and encourage five others to double the challenge was a simple one.
Cllr Kear said: "How could anyone turn down the chance to raise valuable awareness and funds for such an important cause?
"Additionally, 2nd December is a poignant day for me as its my father's 78th birthday and the last day of his six-week radiotherapy treatment at Velindre Hospital, where Cancer Research Wales is based.
"Cancer is affecting more and more people directly and by association, and because of this we wanted to help Cancer Research Wales by doing something bigger and better than the team did in 2008.
"The team have faced some very long and cold evenings spent running the streets of Cardiff and the lanes of Usk as part of the rigorous training that needs to be done, and some will think us mad by deciding we are going to set off in December.
"However, the inclement weather makes the challenge even more rewarding once completed."
Elizabeth Andrews, Charity Director for Cancer Research Wales, said: "Tony and the other runners in Team Hope 2010 again are showing us that they are a real inspiration and their determination is truly commended.
"I very much look forward to welcoming them back in Cardiff Bay alongside some of Wales' greatest sporting heroes and it is thoroughly appreciated that they are doing so in aid of Cancer Research Wales.
"Running 420 miles is no mean feat, and I wish them all the best in their training for the run.
"Thanks to Dave and the rest of Team Hope Wales 2010, much-needed funds will be raised for Cancer Research Wales, so that we can continue to provide funding for vital and pioneering research into cancer and its treatments in Wales."
For more information visit teamhopewales.com or to pledge your support visit justgiving.com/teamhopewales2010