Elsey Davis Hits Halfway Point in Lap of Cornwall for Alzheimer’s

On 29th September, professional trail runner Elsey Davis from Camelford set off on an extraordinary challenge to run a full lap of Cornwall. Covering approximately 400 miles with 60,000ft of elevation – more than twice the height of Everest – Elsey is aiming to become the first person in the world to complete this course and set the Fastest Known Time (FKT).

The 36-year-old, who races for The North Face, is attempting the feat in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, raising awareness and money for Young-onset Alzheimer’s after her mum’s diagnosis in 2023.

Elsey’s plan is to run 100km a day (63 miles) for a week, each day taking around 16 hours. She began her run at Land’s End and will return there after completing the entire perimeter of Cornwall.

“Doing it for my mum”

Speaking about the challenge, Elsey said:
“Anything could happen, but doing it for my mum is going to make it that bit easier.”

She explained the decision to run a circuit of Cornwall rather than the southwest coast path:
“Originally, I wanted to run the whole of the southwest coast path but then a friend sent me the circuit of Cornwall FKT and the chance to loop around my home country appealed so much more. I wanted to do something big and scary, beyond anything I have ever done before since I have a strong driving force and reason – doing it for my mum and raising money for Alzheimer’s.

“I mostly feel excited for the challenge and making a difference the best way I can – with my feet so that anyone else going through this cruel disease, now and in the future, has better support and better treatments.

“And when the tough moments come on the run, and I am sure they will, I will remind myself of my ‘why’ and the fact that I am privileged to be able to do this.”

Preparing for storms and exhaustion

The timing of the challenge means Elsey is braced for unpredictable weather, with possible storms and winds of up to 60mph. Wet conditions could also lead to swollen feet, skin breakdown and blisters. She admitted that the challenge will push her body further than ever before, with risks of muscle fatigue and exhaustion.

“Physically this may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done but nothing’s as scary as my mum’s diagnosis, so I’m not really scared of the challenge – I’m excited,” said Elsey.

“The most I’ve ever run in one week is about 110 miles. I have a plan to do a certain amount each day, and the hope is to do it in less than seven, but I don’t know how I’m going to feel having never been in that position before.

“What the disease has taught me is that you must make memories while you can and live presently. I have faith that is going to get me round and doing it for my mum is going to make it that bit easier.”

From Covid wards to world trail races

Elsey, who lives in Cornwall with her wife and newborn son Victor, is also a recently qualified GP. During the Covid pandemic she switched from road running to trails, finding them a stress reliever while working on the wards in Manchester.

Since then, she has become one of the most dominant runners of her generation with seven wins, 10 podiums, multiple course records, and the FKT for the famous Bob Graham Round. She has also competed in the UTMB global series against the very best in the sport.

Now, this lap of Cornwall could set a precedent for future runners to attempt to beat her time.

How to follow and support

Elsey will spend most of her running time during daylight hours, before resting at night to recover for the next gruelling day. She is raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and donations can be made via her fundraising page.

Supporters can also follow her progress through live tracking on her official challenge website.

Elsey is supported on this run and throughout the year by The North Face, AG1, Coros, Shokz, Silva, Styrkr and Sums.

📷Credit Will Harper-Penrose