Starting on 21st July, Rhys Jenkins (32), will attempt to set a new record running the entire 870-miles of the Welsh coastal path. In this incredible test of human endurance, Rhys will need to run the equivalent of 33.2 marathons and climb the height of Mount Everest 4.5 times over 19 days.
Rhys has a huge amount of respect for the current record holder, James Harcombe from New Zealand, who set a time of 20 days 12 hours and 55 minutes on 2nd May 2017.
“What James achieved was fantastic! He raised a lot of money for charity and set an amazing benchmark time in which to beat. If I am going to break James’s record, I’m going to have to push myself harder than I’ve ever done before. It’s going to be epic!”
No stranger to brutal challenges, Rhys should have been competing in Badwater 135 for the second year running, this July. A 135-miles footrace across the hottest place on planet Earth in the Californian desert, the race is considered as the world's toughest. However, Rhys was forced to go back to the drawing board when the race was cancelled due to the complications caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I was absolutely gutted when Badwater was cancelled. Through the months of training, I had conditioned my body to take on the world’s toughest footrace and I am determined not to let this condition go to waste. The cancellation has given me a great opportunity to attempt and hopefully set a new record in my home country of Wales.”
Rhys, an ambassador of mental toughness fitness brand Rokman, hopes that by attempting this record, it will also inspire others to challenge themselves and push their limits.
“I believe that mental toughness is the bedrock to an individual’s ability to reach their full potential. By setting the most intimidating goal possible and working to achieve that goal, we not only improve physical fitness but also our mental strength. I hope this attempt inspires people to take action, push their bodies, toughen their minds and improve their overall health and wellbeing.”
Over the last 10 years, Rhys has raised over £100,000 for various charities through his ultra-endurance challenges, and this time is no different.
“This record attempt is for three charities that are extremely close and personal to me, my wife and my mum. The CF Warriors, NSPCC and Maggie's Cardiff are all incredible causes that will keep me moving south during the tough times.”
You can track Rhys’s progress via his Rokman athlete page.
If you would like to donate to Rhys's charities, you can do so via the button below.
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