After a four-year hiatus, the epic two-day cycling challenge, Hilly Hundred is back with a bang for its tenth birthday. This September (Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd), participants will yet again don their fabulously fancy-dress costumes to brave the elements and take on the gruelling hills of Cornwall in aid of breast cancer education charity, CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! was founded in 2009 by Kris Hallenga who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer aged just 23. The organisation has made it its mission ever since to get young people checking their chests regularly to ensure cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some stage in their life and it’s CoppaFeel!’s aim for everyone to get better acquainted with their chests to ensure the best possible chance of survival. 

Yet again, the charity has partnered up with The Eden Project, where the Hilly Hundred will start and finish. The event has been voluntarily organised by Maren, co-founder of the charity and Kris’ twin sister. Cyclists will embark on 100 miles of Cornwall’s hilly and beautiful terrain over two fun-filled days, which includes a cycle around the breathtaking Rainforest Biome. 

CoppaFeel! founder, Kris Hallenga said, “We’re so excited to be back cycling the Hilly Hundred. It is such a fun event but with a serious objective. This year is the event’s tenth anniversary and we’ve got people taking part that completed it back in 2010 so it feels so special. Plus, the event has taken a four-year break so it’s high time it makes a big comeback! Hundreds of cyclists have graced Cornwall’s hills over the years and we would love you to join us for this special celebratory event. If you are over 16 and love a cycling adventure (or any adventure for that matter), grab your bike and get signed up!”

Kris continued, “Those taking part do need to have a reasonable level of fitness as the route includes some very steep hill climbs. Although I am sure many will be delighted to know that e-bikes are permitted but you will need to consider battery charging. I would like to personally thank Beryl Bikes for lending me an e-bike to take part myself.”

The Hilly Hundred is open to all aged over 16 years, the entry fee is £25 per person and entry to The Eden Project is included. Cyclists can enjoy a well-deserved free pasty and a pint post challenge as well as a sports massage should they wish. 

For more info about the organisation and its work, please visit coppafeel.org. To take part in the Hilly Hundred, sign up via https://coppafeel.org/hilly-hundred-2023/. To generally support CoppaFeel!, contact events@coppafeel.org. For press enquiries, interview requests or imagery, please contact, Maren Sheldon on maren@coppafeel.org or call 07707 510588.