Running the length of Britain – James Brown

1. James Brown takes on the JOGLE, running over 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End for local charity.  Inspired by his upcoming 60th birthday and in support of local charity Claire House Children’s Hospice, long time ultra-runner James Brown decided to take on the JOGLE; a 1000+ mile journey from the most northern point of the UK to the most southern.

In 2019, Liverpool’s James Brown began to raise funds for his local charity the Claire House Children’s Hospice by taking on some of the UK’s most challenging ultra-running events. His first was the 215 mile route of ‘Race Across Scotland’ which he successfully completed, however, shortly after he became ill and had to take 3 months off from any training or races. During his time off, James decided it was time to fulfil his dream of running the JOGLE. Just two weeks after being given the all-clear in June of 2021, the 59 year old started to prepare for his journey by taking part in a range of events including 100 mile races across the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, Europe’s Toughest Mudder and the Chester Ultra 50 Miler.

Now back on his feet and feeling prepared both physically and mentally, on October 11th he set off running from John O’Groats in Scotland. There was a loose plan in place, which was to run approximately 300 miles a week, broken down into 40-45 miles a day. He would run from anytime between 7am and 9pm, and follow the set route to the best of his ability. While some athletes might take on a challenge such as this one with every single detail figured out, running at a predetermined pace and having non-negotiable checkpoints, James had a different kind of plan in mind.

It was important to him that he let the running flow naturally, allowing time to work through the inevitable challenges to come, without having to then face any self-imposed pressure of not meeting the fixed goals of time or distance, should anything go wrong. This decision worked in his favour on more than one occasion, but most of all when they had to change course from trail to road after he picked up an injury coming off some tough technical terrain near Loch Lomond.

Due to this more freeing structure, instead of booking hotels for certain dates along the route, he and his crew of two spent many of the 26 days wild camping. As an experienced fisher and camper, this was no issue for James as the weather took turn after turn. For the crew however, which consisted of wife Jill Brown and good friend Guy Richardson, it wasn’t so easy, and so when the progress of the route allowed it they would book a hotel for the night to catch up on much needed rest.