Francis Benali’s navigator on his epic 1,000-mile challenge admits they’ve not gone wrong once in more than 800 miles through countryside and cities so far.
Ex-military man Dean Cartledge has ensured that the Saints legend doesn’t take a wrong turn and has kept him on track at all times.
And he’s done that through just reading maps on Benali’s Big Run, as Franny attempts to run to all Premier League stadiums in 21 days for Cancer Research UK.
He said: “It’s been challenging, but the preparation that we did before the event paid off.
“We prepared the maps, spent a lot time checking out the routes.
“I took time to get out on the road and checked the route.
“We had to make changes, which did add some mileage on, but had to do it for safety.
“We added some hills on as well and Franny wasn’t too thankful for that, but it’s ensured we got here in one piece.”
Most people use a satellite navigations system to get around in cars now, but Cartledge, a director of event sponsor 4com, has scrutinised every back road to guide the Dell favourite.
“I’m experienced in map reading; the map and compass is the best way,” he said. “We’ve used a sat nav as a guide, but the map is our primary means of getting around.
“We’ve never gone wrong.
“It’s tough enough without having double back on yourself and end up in the wrong places and making him do extra miles.
“I’ve had a look at doing shortcuts on the way round and that’s worked out. Even if it’s 20 yards, 200 yards or two miles, I can say to him ‘Franny I’ve chopped you a mile off’ and that always gets a big thumbs up.
“But when I do that, he always finds I put in a hill to make up for cutting the distance,” he laughed.
Cartledge will today be guiding Benali to five Premier League grounds – Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, West Ham and Crystal Palace before leading the way to the finish line on Saturday.
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