The Long March

Does anyone recall The Long March, a 30 mile sponsored walk that took place in the 60s starting from Highfield Road at midnight with the route taking in outlying villages. I can't remember where the finish was but I do recall walking the length of Kenilworth Road nearing the end of the walk. I believe it was organised by a council of city churches???

I remember it, as one of my classmates did it. I also remember others, at the same time, doing the Long Wait. (Not to be confused with the long weight, the theme of many a workplace prank on new starters.)

Yes, I did the Long March. It was in about 1968 as I recall. We started from Highfield Road late at night and headed off towards Bulkington. It was a huge circuit through Warwickshire, although in the dark I wasn't always sure where we were. Fortunately there were signs and marshals. Orange squash was available at some points. I know we went to the Coventry City training ground at Ryton after about 20 miles where there was hot soup. We also had to get our sponsorship book stamped a couple of times. I had started on my own but gradually some of us lads from KHVIII teamed up, without which I doubt I'd have kept going. The last leg was along Coat of Arms Bridge Road and Kenilworth Road into the centre, and the finishing point was in the old cathedral ruins. I was utterly exhausted and was collected by my father, taken home, and slept until the following morning. The walking wasn't over though. I had knocked on just about every door in Ernesford Grange to get sponsors so still had to collect it all in. I would be interested if anyone did still know the exact route.