SHAUN Flynn is no stranger to an athletic challenge.
The Bradford Bulls Women’s head-coach was part of the team that took on a gruelling 200 mile coast-to-coast cycle in 2021 and this month has seen him take on an equally as hard challenge.
Raising money for both the Bradford Bulls Foundation and Rugby League Cares starting from February 1 to February 28, Flynn has conquered the upper perimeter of Odsal Stadium (10km) in a running challenge .
He is now heading into the final stretch of his mammoth fundraiser and on the final day Flynn will make the journey from Emerald Headingley Stadium to Odsal Stadium.
But as the finishing line draws closer, the Bradford boss admitted that the challenge is now catching up on him.
 “In honesty it was a stupid idea!”, joked Flynn
“The beginning of the challenge was alright but now I’m getting into the last week-my body is in bits. Through the week I’m running around the stadium and although it seems flat, it’s not.
“Then I’m also running from Bradford to Shelf and back, and there is a bit of an incline in that. My knees are gone to bits, my shin’s gone but I’m into the final stretch now.
“Thankfully I’ve had sponsors, I’ve been able to complete the runs with some good people and that includes some of my players, so that has been a big factor in me being able to motivate myself- especially towards the end.
“It’s also required a lot of paracetamol too!”
With the ending in near Flynn needs one more push to get him over the finish line and a member of the Bradford Bulls’ first team is in line to join him for the Headingley leg (February 28).
He said: “The relief when I finish will be massive because I didn’t think this challenge would be that hard, but it has been very hard.
“The experience of running from Headingley to Bradford will be a tough one but hopefully young George Flanagan will be joining me for that one. He has put himself forward for that one which is really nice of him.”
Away from Flynn’s endeavours and his Bradford Bulls side have their first pre-season tie back this weekend. They travel to Oulton Raidettes on Sunday for a 14:00 PM KO.
Looking ahead to the game, the Bulls’ head-coach said: “Myself and the girls are buzzing to be back involved with the playing side of things this weekend. I’m really interested to see how the partnerships are going to grow this season.
“We have a good mixture of new, young and experienced players, so pre-season will be all about looking at individual and team performances and it will be a good chance for the girls to show me what they can do.
“The result isn’t key this weekend, but I know it will be a good opening fixture. Oulton have a good young side and they play some exciting and fast rugby, so we will need to be on form to put a strong display in.
“I’m looking forward to it.”