100 marathons in 100 days across Europe to raise awareness of men’s mental health struggles

Alumnus Jake Burnham will run 100 consecutive marathons in 100 days to raise awareness of men’s mental health challenges and support for charity Rethink Mental Illness.

The marathons will take place across Europe, spanning 2621 miles in total, spanning seven European countries in ten different cities, in a bid to ignite conversations around men’s mental health struggles and help those suffering in silence.

Jake, 31, will start his journey in Dublin on 27 October, before heading to Greece, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and Denmark finishing in February 2025 with a final gruelling 100th marathon in his hometown of Cheltenham.

Despite attending some milestone marathons in Dublin, Athens and Valencia, the other 97 marathons will see Jake run around ten cities across Europe, sometimes running from town-to-town solo, though he hopes to encourage others to join him for discussions about mental ill health along the way, to normalise conversations around men’s struggles and the support available.

Commenting on the challenge, named Road to 100, Jake said: “Mental health awareness is a cause so close to my heart. I’ve had my fair share of mental health struggles, as have many of my family and friends, with some tragically losing their battles. Last year I ran 30 marathons in 30 days for a mental health charity and I had so many people reach out to me during that time to share not only their own experiences, but offer support and guidance for others; it inspired me to take on a much bigger challenge this year.

“100 marathons in 100 days straight isn’t your typical event, so I’m hoping it’ll get people talking. The more people who talk about it, the more conversations we can start around mental health struggles, the support available, and ultimately, hopefully help those who are feeling isolated.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, suicide the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK, while data from the Mental Health Foundation shows men are less likely to seek help for their mental health.

“I’m of course apprehensive about the toll this is going to take on my body.” comments Jake, “saying that, any physical pain I endure will be a drop in the ocean compared to what some people face on a day to day basis when battling their mental health. If I help even one person through this by starting a conversation, it’ll be worth it.”

Rethink Mental Illness commented on Jake’s challenge: “We are blown away by Jake’s determination to take on the Road to 100 challenge, and will be supporting him throughout his journey. The money raised will help fund our vital groups and numerous services and ensure we can support more people living with mental illness.”

Alongside raising awareness of mental ill health, Jake has set himself the target of raising £10,000 for Rethink Mental Illnesses vital support services. Follow Jake on Instagram to find out more about his challenge and how you can support him.