Jason Cousins, Director of Facilities at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, came in second place in the 2018 World Marathon Challenge – running seven marathons, in seven days, on seven continents.
He decided to take part in the challenge to raise funds for our national charity, The Prince's Trust, in which he has already raised £54,000.
Jason Cousins also recounted his World Marathon Challenge on BBC Radio London. He was featured in the Unsung Londoner section on the Robert Elms show. You can listen to the interview here (starts at 18mins 50scds).
Jason is now part of the coveted 7 Continents Marathon Club, joining the only 210 people in the world to have ever completed the challenge. Jason is the only British runner in the top 10 this year and he is also the highest placed Briton since the inception of the event four years ago.
Jason embarked on his marathon adventure on 30 January, with the first run taking place in Novo Antarctica, and then Cape Town, Africa; Perth, Australia; Dubai, Asia; Lisbon, Europe; Cartagena, South America and finally finishing on 5 February in Miami, North America, after running 183 miles in under 26 hours.
Here are Jason's full rankings:
- Novo Antarctica – second place, 3.44.56
- Cape Town – second place, 3.43.23
- Perth – second place, 3.40.50
- Dubai – second place, 3.26.56
- Lisbon – joint second, 4.01.18
- Cartagena – joint first, 3.35.31
- Miami – second place, 3.41.16
Jason Cousins commented: "This was by far the most thrilling, testing and rewarding challenge I have ever undertaken. Never in my wildest dream did I think I would be arriving overall second, I feel so grateful to have taken part in such an extraordinary experience, where I have had the chance to see unforgettable places and meet some incredible people.
"I am delighted to have been able to raise such a fantastic amount for The Prince's Trust. Womble Bond Dickinson is a Patron for The Trust and in the four years we have been working with the charity, I have been amazed by the work it does to support disadvantaged young people and help them get their lives back on track. The work the charity does is truly humbling and so for my 50th birthday, I wanted to do something memorable and raise funds in aid of The Trust."
"I would very much like to thank my main marathon sponsors Condeco, Lusso Catering, Office Team, Claremont Interiors and especially Womble Bond Dickinson who have showed continued support and sponsored my last marathon in Miami."
Rozzy Amos, Director for the South of England said: “On behalf of all my colleagues at The Prince’s Trust I would like to say thank you to Jason for his tireless commitment to raising funds and taking on an impressive challenge. Jason’s fundraising efforts will enable The Trust to reach more disadvantaged young people, and empower and support them into work, education or training.”
