David ‘Jacko’ Jackson’s world record bid reaches St Ives

Most people would think twice about running 50km once. David ‘Jacko’ Jackson is doing it every single day for 100 days straight, and this weekend that streak brings him to the sands at Hayle, on the edge of St Ives.

Jacko, a former professional rugby player who now lives in North West Wales, is more than two thirds of the way through a challenge he has named Mission IN-possible. The plan is simple to say and brutal to do: one ultramarathon, 50km, every day for 100 consecutive days, at 25 locations up and down the country. He set off on 29 May and is due to finish on 5 September.

A record that is almost within reach

The current men’s world record for consecutive ultramarathons stands at 80 days. If Jacko completes all 100, he will pass it comfortably. But he is quick to say the record is not really the point.

The route has been designed to pull people in rather than keep them at arm’s length. At each of the 25 stops Jacko spends four days, covering the daily distance in 5km and 10km loops. The loop format means anyone can join him, for 5km or for longer, whether they are a first-timer, a walker or a seasoned runner.

“This isn’t just about supporting from the sidelines,” he said. “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.”

📷David ‘Jacko’ Jackson hopes to raise £1 million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change by running 100 ultramarathons in 100 days

Why he believes in ‘IN-possible’

In 2013 Jacko’s rugby career ended without warning when he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Recovery was uncertain, and for a while ordinary life felt out of reach. Running and breathwork became a large part of how he rebuilt himself, body and mind. It took seven years after the injury before he ran his first marathon. He now works as a breath coach through his company Pro Breathwork.

That experience is why the whole thing is built around a word he made up.

“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.”

He is aiming to raise £1 million for the two charities.

📷Jacko on the Nottingham leg of Mission IN-possible

The scale of brain injury in the UK

The numbers behind the cause are stark. Someone is admitted to a UK hospital with a brain injury every 90 seconds. In 2023-24 there were 335,409 UK hospital admissions for brain injury, roughly 919 a day. The effects are often hidden and can fluctuate, and the cognitive, emotional and behavioural impact can be devastating for individuals and their families.

Headway UK is the UK-wide charity that supports brain injury survivors, their families and carers, along with health and legal professionals, through a network of more than 100 independent Headway charities and volunteer-led branches. Head for Change supports former sports players affected by brain injuries and their families, raises awareness of the risks of head injuries in sport, and backs independent research to make sport safer.

Helen Craig, Fundraising Manager at Headway UK, said Jacko had first-hand experience of the challenges of living with a brain injury. “His determination to turn such a difficult period of his life into something so positive is truly inspiring,” she said.

“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, called it an unbelievable challenge. “Full credit to Jacko for taking it on,” he said. “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.”

📷Jacko works as a breath coach with his company Pro Breathwork

How to join him, follow him or donate

Jacko will be in the St Ives area from Sunday 9 August to Wednesday 12 August, setting off at 7am each day from Cove Café, 80 Riviere Towans, Hayle, TR27 5AF. Turn up, pick a loop and run, walk or jog as much or as little as you like.

You can donate to Mission IN-possible on GiveStar, follow the journey on Instagram at @thebreathrunningcoach, and watch where Jacko is in real time on the GPS tracker at thebreathrunningcoach.com. As of this weekend, the little dot on the map is heading for Cornwall.

📷David ‘Jacko’ Jackson hopes to raise £1 million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change by running 100 ultramarathons in 100 days