A Warwick student who randomly decided to run 40 marathons in 40 countries has completed the challenge in just four months to raise more than £12,000 for Cancer Research UK.

ExCo

Angus Read is on track to become the world record holder for the youngest person to run 40 consecutive marathons, pending official verification.

But the achievement came at a cost after he collapsed of exhaustion and was taken to A&E shortly after crossing the finish line in London on Saturday. He’s now recovering well and looking forward to a more relaxed Christmas.

Angus at the finish line just before he was taken to A&E

placeholder image — Angus at the finish line just before he was taken to A&E

The Leeds law graduate initially came up with the challenge as a unique way to tour Europe after finishing university.

He chose to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of his aunt who died of breast cancer aged just 43, setting a target of £10,000.

“I never thought I’d raise that much but the fundraising total has reached over £12,000 now which is phenomenal,” said Angus. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the people who’ve made my journey so memorable and special. I’ve met so many people who’ve been really helpful and supportive but I’d like to thank family and friends as well. They visited me while I was travelling and five friends came and joined me on the last leg on Saturday.”

Angus’s journey began in Moldova in August, travelling through the Balkans, Scandinavia, Iceland and back to the UK via mainland Europe, completing each marathon every three days in around 4.5 hours.

“Crossing the finish line was a massive relief,” said Angus. “I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment but I was also completely exhausted. My body was ready to be done with the challenge so unfortunately, I ended up in A&E. I’m just going to relax over Christmas now and start the hunt for a job in the New Year.

Angus said the hardest part was getting an injury to his left knee around marathon 24 but he pushed on regardless, taking in his favourite run from Nice to Monaco shortly afterwards.

“The French coastline was stunning and I had beautiful sunny day, running in perfect conditions all the way to Monaco,” he added.

“I knew it was going to be a difficult task, navigating 40 countries but that’s why I wanted to do it. Hopefully I’ve learned a few things along the way and come out stronger and better for it.”

Angus is hoping to be rewarded with a Guinness World Record but says that was never the plan.

“I didn’t know it when I left home but it looks like I might be the youngest person to complete 40 consecutive marathons. We’re just getting that verified by Guinness World Records so it will take some time before it’s official but it’s looking promising.”

Paula Young, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK in Warwickshire, said: "We’d like to thank Angus for pushing through this amazing challenge to raise funds for our life-saving research. What he’s achieved is nothing short of incredible and every penny raised will support our efforts to find new and better ways to fight more than 200 types of cancer.”

To donate or view Angus’s fundraising total visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/angus-reads-euro-40-40-4-expedition

To find out more about Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work, visit cruk.org or call 0300 123 1022.