Ultra-athlete Tom Evans inspires at London dinner
The Eastbournian Society annual London dinner on Wednesday 11 March celebrated two examples of endurance: ultra-runner Tom Evans (Wargrave 2005-10) and College stalwart John Thornley, who recently completed 41 years and half a term teaching in the Modern Languages Department.
The dinner was held at the Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly, a fitting venue for Tom, a former captain in the Welsh Guards.
After the main course, Headmaster Tom Lawson addressed the guests and thanked OEs (Old Eastbournians/alumni) for their continued support of their old school.
The final part of the evening was introduced by David Stewart with a short video about Tom Evans’ approach to ultra-running, followed by a question-and-answer session with Tom, conducted by his former housemaster Nick Russell. For those who couldn’t make it on the evening, the short video about Tom is below.
Tom was inspirational in describing how he deals with the physical and mental pressures of his sport. His incredible success in the last few years has seen him placed as the best European runner in the gruelling Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert (coming 3rd in 2017), winning the Courmayeur Champex Chamonix (CCC) in 2018, coming 3rd in the 100-mile Western States race in California in 2019, and, in February this year, winning the Tarawera 102km race in New Zealand, breaking the course record.
We look forward to hearing about more of his exploits as he continues to develop his ultra-running career.
What is the Eastbournian Society?
The Eastbournian Society brings together Eastbourne College’s extended family of Old Eastbournians, current and former parents and staff, local people and businesses and other friends and supporters. Our aim is to maintain close links with any person or organisation who wishes to be associated with the College.
More information about the Eastbournian Society can be found here
