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On the 14th April, 2025 after having only two weeks of training myself, David Coggon (52 years) and Nephews Dan Williams (aged 19 years) and Tommy Williams (aged 16 years) are going to embark upon an epic challenge aiming to run 100 miles over the course of that week. This will mostly be done around the Isle of Axholme and the data of the runs will be logged with a Garmin Watch and uploaded accordingly.

Prostate cancer affects millions of men with current statistics showing 1 in 8 men will get it.

My father, Dave Coggon passed away from prostate cancer and I have also been recently diagnosed with it.

Let’s get together to raise some money for this worthy cause to help improve the prognosis and outcomes of those whom have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thank you in anticipation of your support and generosity.

Update: On behalf of myself, Dan and Tommy we’d like to say a big thank to every single person who has donated. We’ve all been blown away by everyone’s generosity !! It ain’t an easy challenge by any means but everybody’s support helps keep us motivated during the long hard runs with heavy legs 😂😂

8th April Update : A massive thank you to everyone who has donated to this worthy cause. All of the money raised including gift aid goes direct to Prostate Cancer UK. You’ve all made a massive difference already !!

Myself, Dan and Tommy are getting the miles in on paths, roads and lanes and all of us are working hard to keep going with extremely heavy legs…..though everyone’s commitment never waivers no matter how tough the going.

I think it’s fair to say that my powers of recovery are not as good as the ‘ Young Guns ‘ and I have a Power Nap when I can to aid recovery.

It’s lovely to have the support of my young nephews who seem equally as stubborn and determined as myself and I’m sure we will all motivate each other to complete the challenge by the end of next week……being able to walk after the challenge is another matter. 😆😆😆

13th April Update : The start of this epic challenge is upon us as we set off tomorrow morning from Epworth.

Wishing everybody the best of luck and a big shout out to Tommy’s friend Kai Walker whose agreed to run the first day with us - nice one Kai 👏🏻👏🏻

Sleep well guys, this is gunna be a week we’ll never forget !! We’ve got this !! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

“ I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go.” – Dean Karnazes

14th April update :

Well, we’ve got the first 14.29 miles section done today. We all met up in Epworth; myself, Dan and Tommy Williams and Tom’s friend Kai Walker and all set off optimistically determined to get the first day complete.

I noticed early on that my right calf muscle felt tight and I thought ‘ I hope that eases up as we get warmed up after a few miles ‘. My right calf muscle did ease up, but kept tightening every few miles when I least expected it. Nevertheless I got around safely without any problems.

Dan was raring to go and held his form well all the way around. He found the last few miles tough, as we all did, but looked strong at the end.

Tommy pulled out the stops and dug deep despite looking a bit queasy at times…..he happened to get his timing wrong with how much Alpen he had for breakfast so close to the run…….thought he was pulling a blinder, but looked more peaky at the end. All jokes aside Tommy was a true warrior and despite his miscalculation he dug deep, got the miles in and was to be applauded for the heart he showed. I couldn’t fault his refuelling strategy after the run also - a takeaway Chinese from Belton - you deserved it Tommy.

What can I say about Kai !! Total superstar and damn, I have never seen anybody look so fresh all the way around on a long run !! Had me wondering if he was a terminator or not ?!!!

Photo at start of the run 14th April, 2025 - from left : Dan Williams, David Coggon, Kai Walker, Tommy Williams.

15th April Update :

Thank goodness we’d all thrown buckets of cold water over our legs after yesterday’s run. We were still heavy legged, but it reduced some of the imflammation from the first 14.29 miles.

I felt heavy legged but didn’t have as much calf tightness and felt in the flow at times. Better day than yesterday.

Dan’s legs didn’t feel great at the start, knees aching a bit, but he preserved like the true warrior he is and got the job done. For Dan it was the first few miles and last few miles he found the most challenging.

Tom seemed to be running more comfortably today after having had a more modest breakfast with plenty of time to digest it. He ran well throughout and even though he had a stitch with a few miles left and a slight gradient near the picnic area to battle, he dug deep, didn’t stop and got the job done. 👏🏻👏🏻

Prior to the run I got a text from my friends and former Scunthorpe Harriers AC Athletes, Robin Williamson and Dan Bowman - they agreed to cycle alongside us for most of the run for a moral boost and it was great to have them at our sides giving us encouragement. Thanks guys 🙏🙏

Within the photos posted Robin is the one wearing the safety helmet (Mr Safety Conscious), Dan is the one wearing his trusty baseball cap (Mr Risk Taker). 😂😂

After the long run we hosed our legs down with the hosepipe and got some much needed refreshments. 👍

A big thank you to each and every person whom has donated to this worthy cause. We’re all making a difference. 🙏🙏

16th April Update :

Today we decided to do mostly shuttle runs back n forth on the Epworth to Haxey Railway line due to forecasted strong winds and it being more sheltered there

Out of all of us, Dan was probably on the best form having had a good night’s sleep despite getting to bed at 01.30 a.m. - he’d slept through to 10 a.m and felt good upon awakening and his form and strength was good from start to finish.

I felt fatigued having been up early for work the last couple of days, but didn’t have any niggles and felt ok once I got into my stride. Well ready for a longer, quality sleep tonight.

Tommy ran strong for the first 13km but then started to struggle with knee and ankle problems thereafter. Credit due to him though, he battled on and never gave up 👏🏻👏🏻 Tommy is hoping to run tomorrow and intends getting a good night’s sleep to aid recovery. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

17th April Update :

Today we set off later than normal, starting around 2.15pm as I had an appointment in the morning at Doncaster Royal Infirmary to get my testosterone blocking injection.

We all had heavy legs understandably, but the major surprise was how Tommy had recovered from yesterday. He had some hemp cream on his legs and a solid 10 hours sleep and appeared fully recovered !!

I felt more rested having had a few more hours sleep, though I couldn’t compete with Tommy and Dan’s Sleep schedule - Dan getting a solid 12 hours in !!…….yes, I know you’re all probably jealous reading this 🤣🤣

I’d say it was probably one of the best days we’ve had as we all ran strongly and none of us faded at any point.

At the milestone 50 miles mark of the challenge Dan took some nice photos overlooking the Trent where we’d paused our watches and had an energy gel, before resuming the run.

18th April Update :

And we’re off on the fifth leg of seven, starting at Graizelound and going down backroads to West Stockwith. At West Stockwith we joined the Chesterfield Canal and kept going until we reached the halfway point before returning back home the same way.

We were all fairly well rested from having a good night’s sleep and Dan had had his trusty chocolate mini rolls before the run, a tried and tested formula often overlooked by the racing elite in Iten, Kenya.

Once we got on the Chesterfield Canal there was some lovely views of boats going past, people kayaking and fisherman taking time out from their wives 🙊….i mean, testing their fishing skills against one another.

There was also families out walking their dogs and enjoying the good weather.

Once we got to the halfway point we stopped briefly for an energy gel and Dan put his hands on his hips saying

‘ Oh my Days !! ‘ …….it could be taken as meaning ‘ I’m shattered and done in ‘, but quite possibly he meant ‘ What awesome views, with the gentle sound of the canal and birds tweeting, I’m good for another 20 miles ‘ 🤔🤔

After a short pause and re fuel we resumed our watches and head on back home. Tom was having a little difficulty with his knee so he put some music on to distract himself.

After arriving back home, re fuelling and hosing all our legs down with the hosepipe we were all pleased to get the fifth stage complete. Well done guys on getting to 71.5 miles this week so far 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Two more legs to go.

19th April Update :

Dan and Tommy seemed on good form today and both seemed to have got a good many hours sleep in the night before.

I felt a bit creaky with my ankles, but after a few steady miles they came good.

We also had the pleasure of Dan and Tommy’s Dad, Michael Williams on his trusty pushbike along side us which was good for encouragement, support and to be used as a mule for carrying drinks, gels etc…..

Our route was similar to yesterdays and incorporated a small section of the Chesterfield Canal - no takers to run the full 46 miles stretch of it.

At the halfway point on the canal side we stopped for refreshments and to pause our watches. I think the runners had it easiest as Michael seemed to be in a bit of discomfort dismounting the bike after over an hour of steady peddling - his face scrunched up like a Championship Gurner 🙊

We then set off back on the return journey home and everybody kept a strong, rhythmical pace as I counted off the kilometres passed - looking forward to when the watch said ‘ 23 Kilometres ‘.

Michael was a superb support act and gave full encouragement all the way around. He helped us tremendously and has agreed to cycle tomorrow on the last leg, though with better preparation to alleviate saddle soreness.

Once back home we all had refreshments, got our legs hosed down and was pleased that we had ticked another leg of the challenge off. 85.71 miles completed, 14.29 miles left to go. 👍

20th April Update : Last big push of this epic 100 miles challenge awaits this afternoon. We’re all up for it and if you see us on route feel free to give us a shout, clap or honk your horn if passing on the road. It’s been an amazing challenge and the money and publicity for prostate cancer awareness has been fantastic.

Thanks for each and everyone of you who has donated and supported in all ways possible. 👏🏻👏🏻

20th April - What a week it’s been !! From the first steps of the first 14.3 miles to the final steps completing 100 miles in 7 days.

During the week we’ve all experienced heavy legs, aching ankles, calves and quads and had to dig deep many times.

Early on in the week Tommy really struggled with his blisters, sore ankles and aching knees. It really did look as though he was going to struggle to recover, but after a good sleep, re applying of plasters and a renewed spirit to forge ahead he kept chipping away at the 100 miles. Numerous times when he looked in discomfort and was asked if he could continue he respinded ‘ I’m sure I’ll make it ‘. What a Trooper !!

Dan himself battled numerous blisters and had to re apply plasters, but his determination to complete each days challenge never waived.

I managed to escape getting any blisters; probably from having feet like tough leather from a lifetime of being barefoot at every opportunity and constantly ignoring advice to ‘ get some socks on ‘.

As we set off today we all knew it would be tough, but was equally going to make the most of this epic last leg, to try and enjoy every mile and store it in our memory banks.

Michael Williams (Dan and Tommy’s Dad) was right at our side the whole journey and looked far better prepared for the 14.3 miles ahead……wearing cycling shorts and sat on what looked like a makeshift DFS Sofa for a bike saddle.

Throughout the run we all ran smoothly and strongly and everybody reported to feeling good - even though we had heavy legs our fitness levels felt improved and it felt a little easier getting into our strides.

After going over back lanes and running over the back of the picnic area at Belton we then continued where we came out at West End Road, Epworth.

We then made our way to Battle Green and onto Studcross where my Uncle Bob, Aunty Evelyn and Cousin Karen Foster were waiting to cheer us on. They’d even brought out their little dog Jack - a small dog of 18 years who made the effort to join in with the celebrations. Thank you guys 👏🏻👏🏻

Shortly after that as we made our way to Studcross we came across local celebrities Pete & Caroline Lindley who cheered us on and gave us all high fives - thank you guys 👏🏻👏🏻

We even had cars honking at us showing their appreciation for what we were doing. Thank you to everyone.

We then went the whole way along the old railway line upto Haxey and ran the main roadside into Haxey itself and onwards past the war memorial statue - much respect to our servicemen past and present 🫡 .

We then went down Graizelound Fields and out towards Owston Ferry, though diverting to Eastlound instead.

There we stopped for a quick break and to pause our watches, discussing what we’d already achieved; 93 miles at that pont and the 7 miles ahead of us.

We then came back to Epworth via the same route back and was joined by my Sister Suzy (Dan and Tommy’s Mum) near the churchyard lane just outside Epworth.

She wore tracksuit bottoms and ran alongside us to encourage us in the final stage. It was great having her support us in spite of claiming to have jogged half a mile with us when the data recorded just 350m !!

She did however stop short of splashing her forehead with water to look sweaty 😂😉

Joking aside, thanks for the support, it was great to see you.

When we reached my Mum’s place at a Greengate she had a welcoming sign congratulating us on our 100 miles in 7 days achievement. It was an epic challenge and one we all rose to superbly - I couldn’t have wished for better support from two of the most spirited, headstrong, tenacious young guys you could ever come across - quitting was not in their vocabulary !! Their commitment all week was unwavering and even through hard times they never complained once. They proved their mettle this week !!

Many thanks to Michael for his support on the bike today and yesterday.

Finally thank you to everybody who has fed us three throughout the week - Ann Coggon, Sharon Coggon and Suzy Williams - we’ve all burned up 2000 calories plus per daily run and you’ve helped us with fuelling our furnaces for the challenge.

It’s been an epic week and a lot of money and publicity has been raised for this important issue - thank you to each and every person who has contributed however big or small 🙏🙏

I hope in doing this challenge we have done our little bit in raising awareness of this important issue affecting many men every year and the money raised will improve our understanding of prostate cancer and the treatment of it going forward.

On a final note; I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Urology Specialist Nurses and Consultants at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and the Consultants at Weston Park, Sheffield where radiation therapy is given for the top notch, professional service and support they offer. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

For those of you who have prostate cancer like myself, keep fighting, keep the faith and remember you are never alone. There’s always someone you can talk to.