Derbyshire Tennis Clubs to Hold 18-Hour Tennis Marathon for Cancer Research UK

On Saturday, 6th September, 11 tennis clubs across Derbyshire will connect for 18 hours of continuous play from 6 am till midnight in the Derbyshire Tennis Marathon, fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

Alek and Marley Trifunovic, who are the organisers of the Derbyshire tennis marathon, got the idea to support a cause close to many people.

“We knew we wanted to raise some money for Cancer Research UK, and we're quite sporty people, but in honesty, the idea of a traditional marathon scared us both quite a lot. So we thought, how can we incorporate tennis into it? We changed it into a tennis marathon, including pickleball and padel to keep the action going throughout the day,” Alek explained.

“Our aim is to reach £1,000, and we're already at around £600 without even starting the event, so it's going really well, and we'd love to push above and beyond that if possible,” Marley said.

At Ockbrook & Borrowash Tennis Club, players of all ages and skill levels will participate in an American doubles tournament format, ensuring everyone gets a chance to play and contribute to the cause. Alongside tennis, pickleball matches will also be held, with around 20 tennis players and 16 pickleball players expected to take part. “We’re an open club; everyone’s welcome,” said Molly Geary, from Ockbrook & Borrowash Tennis Club.

The initiative will take place for 18 hours, "We're starting at 6 am in Repton, then we've got 18 hours of continuous play right across the county, and then we're finishing at Derbyshire Tennis Centre, which is our local centre, right in the centre of Derby,” said Alek.

The Derbyshire Tennis Marathon fundraising is hosted on a JustGiving page; their goal is to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. If you need more information about the event, you can visit Derbyshire Tennis' Instagram or Facebook page. Also, you can book at Ockbrook & Borrowash Tennis Club through their website.