Former professional rugby player David ‘Jacko’ Jackson will
visit Penrith next week as he attempts a world-record-breaking endurance
challenge by running 200 marathons in 100 consecutive days.
Jacko, who lives in North West Wales, hopes to raise £1
million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change with his
challenge, titled ‘Mission IN-possible’.
Starting out on May 29, Jacko will run two marathons every
day for 100 consecutive days, covering more than 8,450 kilometres - the
equivalent distance of running from London to Los Angeles.
The attempt is expected to break the current men’s world
record for consecutive ultra-marathons, but for Jacko, this challenge is about
more than records.
In 2013, his professional rugby career was abruptly ended by
a traumatic brain injury. The road to recovery was uncertain, and at times,
normal life felt impossible.
A huge part of Jacko’s recovery involved running and
breathwork, tools that helped him rebuild both body and mind. But he is acutely
aware that not everyone affected by brain injury has the same access to
recovery, rehabilitation, or long-term support.
“Everyone thinks this challenge is impossible,” he said.
“But I believe in IN-possible. That belief runs deep - and
it’s something my recovery taught me.
“I’ve experienced first-hand what recovery can look like -
and I’ve also seen what happens when people don’t get that chance.
“That’s why this challenge is for Headway UK and Head for
Change - and for the people whose lives are changed forever by brain injury.”
It took seven years after his brain injury for Jacko, who
now works as a breath coach with his company Pro Breathwork, to run his
first-ever marathon.
Now he is attempting 200 marathons in 100 days- and he wants
as many people to join in as possible.
The route has been deliberately designed to bring people
together across the country. Jacko will run at 25 locations throughout the UK,
spending four days at each site, completing the daily distance through 5km and
10km loops.
The loop format allows anyone - runners, walkers,
first-timers or experienced athletes - to join him, whether for 5km or further,
and take on their own version of the ‘IN-possible’.
Jacko will be in Askham, Cumbria next week at the following:
June 10 to 13- The Health Barn Askham, Penrith, Cumbria,
CA10 2PG ///gathering.believer.hazelnuts (What3words)
Jacko said: “This isn’t just about supporting from the
sidelines. It’s about being involved; running your own IN-possible.
“Whether it’s your first 5km or something much bigger - this
is about believing in yourself again. And drawing on the support of each other,
as I’ve experienced strength is multiplied when shared.”
Helen Craig, Fundraising Manager at Headway UK, said: “Jacko
has firsthand experience of the challenges that come from living with a brain
injury. His determination to turn such a difficult period of his life into
something so positive is truly inspiring.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jacko for taking on this
extraordinary challenge. His efforts will help us to continue supporting people
rebuilding their lives after brain injury, as well as raise crucial awareness
of the reality of brain injury, all while bringing communities together across
the UK.
“Everyone at Headway UK is incredibly proud of Jacko, who
we’ll be cheering on every step of the way!”
Alix Popham, founder of Head for Change, said: “This is an
unbelievable challenge, and full credit to Jacko for taking it on.
“Both charities are here to support people affected by brain
injury, and that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re really looking forward to joining him for the final
couple of days around Newport alongside friends and family.
“Wishing him the very best of luck as he completes this
incredible journey.”
Follow Jacko’s ‘Mission IN-possible’ on Instagram at
@thebreathrunningcoach
Track Jacko’s location vie his GPS tracker here: https://live.adventuretracking.be/mission-in-possible
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