Northampton army mechanic takes on 26 supermarathons in 26 days after Crohn's diagnosis

An army vehicle mechanic is half way through completing a challenge to run 26 miles every day for 26 days, while carrying 26 pounds of weight.

Josh decided to run this unique challenge after he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease last year, to show that even if you have an illness you are capable of doing much more than you realise.

The army vehicle mechanic, who is based at MOD Lyneham, was shocked to hear of his diagnosis when he fell ill in 2019.

Josh said: “Last year I fell poorly with stomach cramps. Fortunately in the army, we receive excellent medical support and I received a speedy diagnosis. But I was still shocked when I heard the news as I thought it would affect my career in the army as well as my passion for fitness.

"At first I was pretty depressed. I was used to running marathons in my spare time.

“However I received fantastic support from the army, my friends and family and I started to realise that even if you have an illness, you can’t let that stand in the way of achieving your goals.

“I wanted to do a challenge no one had done before. And, I fell upon the idea of a back-to-back marathon. Comedian Eddie Izzard ran 27 marathons continuously, but I don’t know of anyone who has run them with weights on.”

Josh started his supermarathon challenge on August 31 and he is running 26 miles every day on routes around Northamptonshire and Lyneham wearing a gruelling 26 pound loaded metal vest.

On Friday he ran from Duston through Harlestone and Upton wearing the extra weight and on Saturday the 13 mile loop around Pitsford reservoir was a major part of his route.

He added how the super challenge has proved to be extremely demanding and he has battled both mentally and physically.

Just like the comedian Eddie Izzard, after the early races, Josh used to lay in ice cold baths in the evenings to soothe his muscles.

“I finished marathon 11 in my second best time of four hours 20 minutes but then on day 13 I hit the runner’s wall. I was having serious niggles in my right quad muscle and feeling exhausted.

"The metal vest has caused me a few issues rubbing my lower belly, so I’ve had to swap that for a bergen.”

Some of his friends and family have cycled alongside him for part of the route or met him at the finish line and he has been beeped and waved at by wellwishers along the way.

He said: “My brother Tom ran his first ever marathon with me and my dad Steve cycled part of the route with us as well. I’ve also received a lot of messages of support which has been fantastic.

“I want to raise awareness and funds for the charity but I also want to show people that you are capable of much more than you realise.”

Josh is determined to finish the fundraising challenge and has so-far raised £3802 of his £5000 fundraising target for Crohn’s and Colitus UK charity.