Reading and Bracknell Rugby Clubs are among those taking part in 'the Longest Try.'

The Longest Try is a rugby union charity relay run with clubs submitting runners to cover a 15-mile stretch and link with clubs on either side of their route.

The event is in support of the MND Association, Gloucester Rugby Foundation in their support of Ed Slater, and Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation in celebration of the life of Paul Rendall.

Leicester Tigers and Gloucester rugby second row, Ed Slater, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in July 2022. Paul Rendall, 'The Judge', Wasps FC, Slough RFC, Bracknell RFC, and England International, was also recently diagnosed and sadly passed away on June 13.

Winchester RFC kick-off the run on Friday, August 11 at 8 am at the club, with over 30 runners joining in to cover their 15-mile stretch.

Winchester will handover to Alton RFC and the ball will be carried by Farnham RFC, Effingham & Leatherhead RFC, Esher RFC, Chobham RFC, and Reading RFC as they run their way to Bracknell RFC to finish the relay run Friday night.

On Friday night, Berkshire Brigands and Surrey Chargers mixed ability teams are training at Bracknell RFC and will form part of the welcome team to deliver the ball to Ian Wilson, Chairman of Bracknell RFC.

The relay run will resume again from Bracknell RFC on August 12 at 11 am, with Bracknell RFC connecting with Wasps FC to run the ball to Twickenham Stadium to score the try before the England v Wales World Cup warm-up match.

The MND Association said “The rugby community is a force to be reckoned with and it is invaluable to have them standing with us as we work together to defeat this devasting disease. MND is incredibly cruel and robs people of the ability to walk, talk, eat, and ultimately breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure and no effective treatment. As well as investing millions of pounds into vital research the MND Association improves care for people affected by MND and campaigns on their behalf so their needs and those of everyone who cares for them are recognised and addressed by wider society. ”We’re so grateful to the rugby clubs taking part in The Longest Try.”