A World Record Attempt – Running 800+ Miles in 9 Days

Because it’s there
— George Mallory, after he was asked why he was attempting to climb Mount Everest

On Saturday May 25th 2019, I will start an 800+ mile run from the bottom of the UK to the top.

My journey will start in Land’s End, Cornwall, with the goal of arriving in John o’ Groats, Scotland, before Monday 3rd June.

The current record stands at 9 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes. This was set by Andy Rivett in 2001.

[Note] - For an update on how I did, read my review of my world-record LEJOG attempt.


Follow My Journey


Save Time, Money and Effort by Claiming Your Free Training Plan Template

Join hundreds of other athletes who get amazing benefits, simply by providing your email.

  1. A FREE training plan template -  Which will save you time, money and effort when creating your plans

  2. The best training and racing advice from across the web - I send these articles out every month, exclusively, to email subscribers

  3. Early access to exclusive offers and deals - I send out the best discounts and offers to email subscribers first, before anyone else


What Is the LEJOG Challenge?

Here’s a brief overview of the challenge:

  • Distance: Nearly 850 miles (1,368 km)

  • Time: Aim to complete in less than 9 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes

  • Running Per Day: Around 100 miles a day

  • Running around 18.5 hours per day

  • Support Crew: Includes at least 5 people during the challenge

  • Support Vehicles: Two motor homes and one bike

The LEJOG 2019 page gives more detail, including the history of the event, the route and profiles of the members of my support team.

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has it’s limits”
— Albert Einstein

And the LEJOG Wikipedia pages provides you with even more information, including some of the crazy ways that people have completed the journey, including:

  • A unicycle

  • Barefoot

  • Whilst playing golf (!!!)


Why Am I Attempting This Crazy Challenge?

This is usually the first question I’m asked after explaining the attempt.

And there are 3 main reasons:

1. For A Sense Of Achievement

I’m someone who is strongly motivated by achievement.

Taking on this event has been in the back of my mind for a few years.

It will test my physical, psychological and organisational skills more than they have ever been tested before.

And I can’t wait for it!

2. To Inspire Others

I’d love to set an example to people that they can, and should, go after their dreams, no matter how huge.

In particular, I am hoping to inspire young children.

And the two most important people I want to inspire are Rosie and Lottie, my two daughters.

3. To Raise Awareness For Key Issues

I also want to use the challenge to shine a spotlight on an issue which is important to me

Sky Ocean Rescue is one of the causes I'll be raising awareness for

Sky Ocean Rescue is one of the causes I'll be raising awareness for

Ocean pollution is one of the biggest threats to our world.

Every minute, the equivalent of a rubbish-truck load of plastic goes in to our oceans.

It never decomposes and will remain there forever.

If nothing changes, by 2050 all the plastic in the ocean could weigh than all the fish.

Our ocean’s health affects us all.

So we need to come together to take action.

Sky’s Ocean Rescue campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the issues affecting ocean health, find innovative solutions to the problem of ocean plastics, and inspire people to make small everyday changes that collectively make a huge difference.

And I am hoping to use my challenge to raise awareness for Sky’s Ocean Rescue initiative.


Save Time, Money and Effort by Claiming Your Free Training Plan Template

Join hundreds of other athletes who get amazing benefits, simply by providing your email.

  1. A FREE training plan template -  Which will save you time, money and effort when creating your plans

  2. The best training and racing advice from across the web - I send these articles out every month, exclusively, to email subscribers

  3. Early access to exclusive offers and deals - I send out the best discounts and offers to email subscribers first, before anyone else


What Did You Think Of This Article?

I would love to get your honest feedback about what you think about the articles on JamesRunsFar.com.

I can use your feedback to write articles that what will help you achieve your goals.

Simply tell me what you think by filling in this 1 minute survey.