Former pro-rugby player is running 100 Ultra Marathons in 100 Days for brain injury charities

In 2013, the ex-Nottingham rugby player suffered a seizure on the pitch. He was forced to retire from professional rugby because of the traumatic brain injury that he had sustained.

Jacko, who lives near Caernarfon, Gwynedd, hopes to raise £1 million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change with his challenge, titled ‘Mission IN-possible’.

The challenge started last week (Friday 29 May) in Caernarfon, the day after his 44th birthday. Jacko is running an ultra-marathon every day for 100 consecutive days, covering more than 8,450 kilometres - equivalent to running from London to Los Angeles.

On July 27th, Jacko will make his way down to the England Rugby training camp of Pennyhill Park, in Bagshot Surrey. He aims to break the current men’s world record for consecutive ultra-marathons, but for Jacko, this challenge is about more than records.

“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.”

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 100 ultra-marathons in 100 days - a journey he describes as both physical and spiritual.

The challenge draws inspiration from the Marathon Monks of Japan, whose legendary endurance practice traditionally takes seven years to build toward, culminating in a final year of extreme distance running.

“This feels like my own spiritual journey,” he said. “My injury took something from me - but recovery taught me how to turn something bad into something good.”

The route has been 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.

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!”

“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.”

1. Caernarfon // 29th May to 1st June

2. ⁠Chester // 2nd to 5th June @the.farm.club

3. ⁠Manchester // 6th to 9th June @kickbackcoffee

4. ⁠Keswick // 10th to 13th June @the_health_barn

5. ⁠Glasgow // 14th to 17th June @activscotland

6. ⁠Cairngorms // 18th to 21st June @glenmorelodge

7. ⁠Edinburgh // 22nd to 25th June TBC

8. ⁠Newcastle // 26th to 29th June @__trainingclub

9. ⁠Harrogate // 30th June to 3rd July @move360_harrogate

10. ⁠Leeds // 4th to 7th July @reyt_sauna

11. ⁠Sheffield // 8th to 11th July @outside.co.uk

12. ⁠Nottingham // 12th to 15th July @spox_official

13. ⁠Northampton // 16th to 19th July @theicebath.co

14. ⁠Harpenden // 20th to 23rd July @marchongyms

15. ⁠West London // 24th to 27th July @pennyhill_park

16. ⁠Horsham // 28th to 31st July @south_lodge

17. ⁠Bournemouth // 1st to 4th August Swanage

18. ⁠Exeter // 5th to 8th August TBC (get in touch)

19. ⁠St Ives // 9th to 12th August @covecafehaylebeach

20. ⁠Barley Wood // 13th to 16th August @vivobarefoot

21. ⁠Bristol // 17th to 20th August @sivowellness

22. ⁠Bath // 21st to 24th August @marchongyms

23. ⁠Newport // 25th to 28th August @celticroyalhotel_official

24. ⁠Aberystwyth // 29th August to 1st Sept @the_gym_aber

25. ⁠Caernarfon // 2nd to 5th September - Castle