A 14‑strong team of friends from Bravehearts Boxing Gym in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, will attempt 10 ultramarathons in 10 days; a 400‑mile run from BBC Scotland in Glasgow to BBC Broadcasting House in London, all to raise money for Red Nose Day.
- Day 7 (15 March): Sheffield → West Bridgford (Nottinghamshire)
- Day 8 (16 March): West Bridgford → Desborough (Northamptonshire)
The challenge, aptly named the Long Way Doon, was born when John Cleland, a Bravehearts member, watched Jamie Laing take on five ultramarathons in five days for Red Nose Day in 2025. He suggested doubling the distance to gym owner Steven McMillan and coach Beth Arthur, and the plan quickly moved from idea to commitment.
The runners have been building towards this for over a year, recruiting keen members from the gym and steadily increasing their mileage through a series of ambitious runs to help strengthen both their endurance and mindset for ten days on the trot.
Training has meant pre‑dawn alarms, miles in before work, strength and mobility and long weekends on their feet, all while balancing jobs, family life and everyday responsibilities. To keep everyone healthy and progressing, the team are following a programme set by coach Will Usher, the same coach who supports Comic Relief’s celebrity challenges, including Jamie Laing’s.
When the going gets tough, they lean on routine and each other. Each day is broken into manageable chunks, typically two half marathons, then a 10 miler and a final 10K, with scheduled stops for food and kit changes. They walk the big hills, rotate conversation to help someone reset, and keep a steady rhythm. There is also running karaoke, with small speakers in backpacks, supporters nominating songs, and a shameless sing-along that turns hard miles into happier ones.
