A former professional rugby player whose career was ended by a traumatic brain injury is set to pass through Harrogate as part of an ambitious world-record attempt.
David "Jacko" Jackson is running 200 marathons in 100 consecutive days to raise £1 million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change.
As part of his challenge, Jackson will be based at MOVE on Rudding Estate from 30th June until 3rd July, completing daily marathon distances on 5km and 10km loops around the area.
The challenge, known as "Mission IN-possible", began on 29th May and will conclude on 5th September.
If successful, Jackson is expected to break the current men's world record for consecutive ultramarathons.
Over the course of 100 days, he will run more than 8,450 kilometres – the equivalent distance from London to Los Angeles.
But Jackson says the challenge is about more than setting records.
His professional rugby career came to an end in 2013 following a traumatic brain injury, with recovery taking years.
Jackson said:
“Everyone thinks this challenge is impossible. But I believe in IN-possible. That belief runs deep — and it’s something my recovery taught me.”
It took seven years after his injury for Jackson to complete his first marathon. More than a decade later, he is now attempting to run two marathons every day for 100 consecutive days.
Jackson said:
“This feels like my own spiritual journey. My injury took something from me — but recovery taught me how to turn something bad into something good.”
The challenge has been designed to encourage public participation, with Jackson visiting 25 locations across the UK and spending four days at each stop.
The looped route format allows members of the public to join him for part of the distance, whether running or walking.
Jackson added:
“This isn’t just about supporting from the sidelines. It’s about being involved. Running your own little 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.”
Jackson hopes to inspire people to challenge themselves and raise awareness of the long-term impact of brain injuries.
He said:
“Somewhere along the way, we stop listening to that little voice that says ‘yes, you can’.
“This challenge is a chance to listen to it again” – because he believes “we are far more capable than we allow ourselves to believe. It’s time to start believing in ourselves and what’s possible again, together.”
People in Harrogate are being invited to join Jackson during his stay, with runners, walkers, first-timers and experienced athletes all welcome to take part in sections of the challenge.
Find out more about the challenge and see the full route here.
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