James is supporting EACH by running 1,400km from John O’Groats to Land’s End

November 30, 2022

A fitness fanatic is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity when he embarks on an epic 1,400km run from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Strength and conditioning coach James Adams is taking on the eye-watering challenge – the equivalent of nearly 34 marathons – next July, to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

The 28-year-old, who lives in Newmarket, aims to complete his incredible feat in 12-15 days, staying in a motorhome that will be pitched up by family and friends at different locations along the way. James is hoping others join him for individual legs of the journey and is no stranger to extraordinary challenges, having completed a 230km run through the Amazon Rainforest in June.

He said: “It’s going to be a massive, crazy challenge and I don’t know how my body will cope. That makes me slightly anxious. However, it’s mainly a feeling of sheer excitement. I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started, because the run itself will be easier than the training.

“When you train, you have to juggle it with other things like work and day-to-day life. When I’m actually running, I’ll be in the zone. I’ll be in a place where the only things I have to focus on are running, sleeping, eating and drinking.

“Along the way, I’d love for others to join me, either running or cycling. My plan is to get others involved and bring people together. Even if it’s just a few kilometres, I’d love the support and people can choose whatever distance is achievable for them.

“It’s about building a community and collectively doing something that’s both positive and powerful.”

As part of his preparations, James paid a visit to EACH’s hospice in Ipswich, The Treehouse. He spent time with a family and chatted to members of staff, including Care Manager Sacha Parry. Parts of his trip were captured on camera and he has produced a promotional film, encouraging people to get behind him and show their support.

“I’m looking to challenge my body and mind once again and want to help others who are less fortunate than me,” he said.

“Life throws up lots of challenges but none more so than for the children, young people and families receiving care and support from EACH. They totally inspire me and when I found out more about the charity, I was hooked.

“It does an amazing job and there’s such a positive culture at the hospices – something I find truly incredible and touching. I felt completely inspired after spending time at The Treehouse. It was a real boost and totally underlined the reasons I’m determined to do this.

“We take so many things for granted and there are simple things we do every day without even thinking about them. Things aren’t always as straightforward for these children and that’s why this challenge is so important.

“I’m doing it for those who are less fortunate and if I can make one child smile, or fund a piece of equipment that spreads joy, I’ll have won.”

James is a director of his own strength and conditioning company, XCompete. He played rugby semi-professionally but was forced to stop because of injury. That led to him seeking individual challenges. His monster run, from the most northern point in Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, is known as JOGLE.

He aims to start on 22 July and will be joined by family and friends, driving to various checkpoints and starting points. He plans to run between 60km and 130km every day, depending on which part of the route he is on. His support team will be ready and waiting to help him hydrate and eat.

“Ironically, I wouldn’t even class myself as a runner,” he said. “I’m just an individual who’s fascinated by the process of training, being disciplined and consistent and finding out how deep I can dig. It’s obviously a huge physical challenge but it’s going to be a real mental battle, too.

“For me, the only way to cope is to break it down into smaller, bitesize sections because if you focus on the overall mileage it’s daunting and overwhelming. There will be tough times along the way but it’s about having the strength, resilience and determination to carry on.”

James has set up a fundraising page and, in addition to donations, is keen to hear from individuals and businesses keen to sponsor him.