British endurance athlete, Jack Jarvis, has completed the first stage of his world record attempt to run 13,000km from Beijing to London. He officially crossed the border from China into Kazakhstan at Khorgos on Saturday 24 October, having run an average of 56.7km a day since setting off from the Chinese capital on 12 August. That’s the equivalent of more than 101 marathons or going up Everest 2.81 times – all in just 75 days.
The rest of the challenge will take him through 16 more countries before he finishes at Trafalgar Square in London next year. He is raising money for brain tumour charity brainstrust, with a fundraising target of £100,000. Jarvis is undertaking the challenge in memory of his grandfather, who died from a brain tumour in 2007.
The journey across China has brought a number of major setbacks for Jarvis and his support team, including a breakdown and burglary of their van, multiple road closures adding miles to the run, and difficulties with visa arrangements. Most recently, he found and rescued a tiny kitten while running through the Gobi Desert. She is now on her own journey back to the UK, thanks to a £5k fundraiser from Jarvis.
Jack said: “Where do I even start trying to sum up running 4,259km across China? At times, it’s felt like 75 days of intense problem-solving, from our support vehicle being broken into and breaking down, to injury on day 16, road closures adding miles to the route and constant police checks. We even managed to save a kitten along the way! Dealing with all of that while running an average of 56km a day has certainly been tough.
“But for all the pain and hardship, I’ve absolutely loved how epic the experience has been. The beautiful scenery, friendly people and delicious food have made it unforgettable. Knowing that I’m probably one of only a handful of people in history to have experienced China in this way is pretty special. That’s one country down, 16 to go until I make it back to Trafalgar Square.”
The challenge comes as brain tumours receive renewed attention following a successful campaign by Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn, who was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour aged 22. In October, the UK Government announced an expert review of progress in brain cancer care, followed by plans for a national action plan and faster reviews of access to rare cancer medicines.
brainstrust supports people living with a brain tumour diagnosis and their families. The charity provides practical information, specialist coaching and peer support. Jarvis’s fundraising aims to help it expand its work and reach 10,000 people each year.
Jack previously completed a 111-day solo, unsupported row across the Atlantic, setting a world record for the route from mainland Europe to mainland North America. However, a serious skydiving accident in 2023 left him with significant injuries to his left leg, including damage to all four ligaments. His recovery raised questions about whether he would be able to run at this level again.
The Beijing-to-London challenge marks another major test of his endurance, with thousands of kilometres still to cover before he reaches the UK.
Will Jones, chief executive of brainstrust, said: “Completing China is a huge first milestone on this epic challenge. Jack is attempting this world record in honour of his grandfather, who he lost to a brain tumour. He has seen first-hand the determination it takes to live each day with this diagnosis, and that understanding, along with the memory of his granddad, is driving him on. His incredible fundraising will help us double the support brainstrust can provide. We’re so proud of him.”
Jack will continue west through Kazakhstan towards the remaining countries on his route before aiming to finish at Trafalgar Square around March 2027.
