Brackley endurance athlete Tony Hopkin takes on new world record challenge to support children with SEND across Northamptonshire

Local endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder Tony Hopkin, known on Instagram as @TonyTalksTriathlon, is preparing to undertake another extraordinary challenge on 20 June 2026 in Brackley, raising vital funds and awareness for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Northamptonshire.

Tony first captured national attention when he broke the Guinness World Record for the Longest Single-Event Triathlon, completing an astonishing 515.91 kilometres in just over 38 hours. His achievement was officially recognised by Guinness World Records and was inspired by a deeply personal mission to improve opportunities for children who struggle to engage with mainstream education.

This year he has already broken the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days to complete a sprint triathlon distance (a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5km run) indoors – completing 80 in 80 days between February and April.

Now Tony is returning with another challenge.

The event is a 24 hour duathlon world record attempt, where he hopes to complete as many sprint distance duathlon legs as he can in 24 hours. Each duathlon consists of three legs; a 5km run, a 20km cycle and then a 2.5km run. The current record is 28 duathlon legs (or 9 full duathlons and one leg), and Tony hopes to take the record to over 40, which will see him cycling over 260km and running over 100km. The event is taking place near Egerton Hall in Brackley on 20 June, starting at 7am and finishing at 7am the next day, and will bring together supporters, to cheer him on as he pushes the boundaries of human endurance once again. The challenge aims not only to test physical limits but to shine a spotlight on the importance of specialist support for children with learning differences, neurodiversity and additional needs.

Funds raised will support New Leaf Learning and other SEND-focused charities across Northamptonshire, helping more children access life-changing opportunities that build confidence, resilience, self-regulation, teamwork and emotional wellbeing. 

Charity Link https://gvwhl.com/NKPXA

Tony's connection to the cause is personal. His previous world record attempt was inspired by the positive impact that New Leaf Learning had on his own son. Through nature-based learning and therapeutic outdoor experiences, the charity helped him develop strategies to manage challenges, reconnect with learning and thrive.

Speaking about his fundraising efforts, Tony said:

"Every challenge starts with a reason bigger than the finish line. I know first-hand the difference that specialist SEND support can make to a child and their family. If taking on another world-class endurance challenge can help more children access those opportunities, then every mile is worth it."

New Leaf Learning delivers it's TRUST Programme, a unique nature-based and connection-focused approach supporting children who are struggling to engage in education. The programme is unique because it not only supports children, but their families and their school staff with practical and impactful strategies. It focuses on developing trying, resilience, understanding & empathy, self-regulation and  teamwork and builds confidence through meaningful outdoor experiences.

Alex Preston, Founder of New Leaf Learning, said:

"Tony's determination is inspirational. Every mile he covers helps raise awareness of the challenges faced by many children and families across Northamptonshire. His support will help us continue providing opportunities for children to reconnect with learning, develop confidence and discover their strengths."

Cllr Fiona Baker, newly elected Chair of West Northamptonshire Council, is delighted to be supporting New Leaf Learning as one of her chosen charities this year. She said: 

“It is a privilege to be able to support New Leaf Learning, a charity that is making a real difference to supporting children and young people. I wish Tony all the best with this challenge and thank him for his efforts to raise funds for more children to benefit from the important opportunities that New Leaf offers”. 

The event organisers are encouraging local residents, schools, businesses and community organisations to get involved by attending, volunteering, sponsoring the challenge or donating to the fundraising campaign.

Together, the event aims to celebrate perseverance, community spirit and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 20 June 2026, Start: 07:00  Approximate Finish: 07:00 on Sunday 21st June
Location: Egerton Hall, Brackley, Northamptonshire
Athlete: Tony Hopkin (@TonyTalksTriathlon)
Beneficiaries: New Leaf Learning and other SEND charities across Northamptonshire