By Ben Thomas
A WELSH ultra-runner has just broken the world record for running the entire length of the UK in aid of a cause he describes as “everything to me”.
Rhys Jenkins ran from John O’Groats to Lands End in July in an official time of 23 days, 7 hours and 19 minutes.
But it wasn’t quite that straightforward. Jenkins took in the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales en route – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – a feat termed as ‘The Three Peaks Jogle’.
And it was all to raise money for a charity that aims to stop child abuse, something his wife Cerys was sadly forced to endure.
“I ran for the Lucy Faithful Foundation and their campaign ‘Stop It Now’,” explained Jenkins, who raised a staggering £7,132.62.
“They are a child abuse charity who try to stop child abuse from happening before it gets going.
“Unfortunately, as a child my wife was abused and it is something we both support each and every year. My reason why is everything to me.”
Jenkins has taken part in some of the most gruelling races around the world including breaking the record for running the Wales Coast Path. This though, was his toughest challenge yet.
And it’s been confirmed that Jenkins set the new fastest known time for running the length of the UK whilst summiting the three peaks.
He added: “The run went pretty smoothly actually. We’d learnt a lot from the Wales Coast Path and applied it to the Three Peaks JOGLE.
“I was battered and bruised but it was all manageable. The biggest unknown entity was the traffic, I was dodging traffic for about 80% of the time and it really played on my mind.”
Despite running 1,000 miles in the summer and welcoming a child into his world, Jenkins is already planning his 2022.
And one event on his schedule is the daunting Badwater 135 – a run through Death Valley in California, the hottest location on earth.