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A long-term supporter of Headway Jersey has given herself the daunting challenge of running her second ultra-marathon in two years.
Next week, Anna Goncalves will take on Ultra Race Romania for the second year in a row in aid of local brain injury charity Headway Jersey.
She described the gruelling 155-mile race as "one of the hardest" she's ever run due to the scorching temperatures of up to 40 degrees celsius.
Anna will set off through the Buzău Mountains in Romania on 5 August, carrying a full week's kit and food with her.
The avid runner – who has previously completed over 200 marathons – explained that carrying an extra 7-10kg of kit and food adds to the challenge's difficulty.
Pictured: Anna Goncalves completed the Ultra Race Romania last year.
The ultra race participants will also face the threat of brown bears, who live in areas of Romania that the route passes through.
Anna has been a dedicated ambassador of Headway Jersey for over a decade after a family member suffered a major head injury.
She has so far raised £150,000 for the local brain injury charity.
Her upcoming race – which is spread out over six days – is going to be another mental and physical test, but Anna is determined to keep challenging herself and raising as much money as possible.
"As a runner, you've always got to push yourself a little more," said Anna.
"These ultras are hard, you’ve got to respect them.
"It’s quite difficult to explain to people that it doesn’t matter how much training you’ve done, anything can go wrong in these races.”
Pictured: Anna has been training for the race for the past six months – running up to 120 miles a week at times.
In preparation for the Ultra Race Romania, Anna has not only been rigorously training for the past six months, but has also organised fundraising events such as cake sales to boost her sponsorship efforts.
Her goal is to raise a minimum of £2,000 for Headway Jersey, and her employer and sponsor Barclays will match every pound raised up to £1,000.
A spokesperson for Headway Jersey praised Anna's "relentless spirit" and "deep commitment to the charity".
"Her remarkable achievements stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and serves as a beacon of inspiration to all," they added.
Anna said: “I know it’s tough at the moment but anything that people can spare, a few pounds, would be brilliant for Headway.”
You can find more information about Anna’s challenge or to support her fundraising efforts via her Just Giving Page.
You can also keep track of Anna's efforts next week on a live racing feed on Ultra Race Romania's website.
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