I needed a new challenge for 2024. Running 52 marathons in 52 weeks in 2022 was brilliant, but for 2024 I wanted to do something just as ambitious but over a shorter timescale.

The answer...

I ran 500 km in January

(Starting with 1 mile on day 1, 2 miles on day 2, and so on until I had to end the challenge on day 24 after an ankle injury was getting too serious to carry on. HOWEVER, I completed 500km in 24 days, mostly in the dark with a head torch, 150 miles in last 7 days, 250 miles in last 14 days and averaged 7.53 min/mile over the 500km.

I took a long time deciding what charity I wanted to fundraise for. For this challenge, I wanted to help out a smaller, more local charity where the money would make a real difference. I decided on Launchpad.

Launchpad is a Reading-based charity which helps prevent homelessness, provide homes and rebuild lives. You can read all about their fantastic work on their website, linked here: launchpadreading.org.uk/

I completely understand that there are many requests for charitable donations, but even just following my challenge would be much appreciated. If you are able to donate to this amazing charity, thank you very much - every little helps and would make a real difference to a small local charity.

A bit about me:

I'm 51, father of three daughters. I work full-time and run about 25 miles a week. I really love running and in fact I would say that running has helped me in many ways, both mentally and physically.

I am not a professional runner, and don't follow a certain diet or running plan. I run because I can, I love it and just put my trainers on a go for it.