Record-breaking runner races coast to coast in under a day
A runner has set an set an astonishing coastto-coast record. James Stewart ran 134 miles non-stop from Helensburgh to Dunbar in 21 hours and 53 minutes.
The 44-year-old smashed the previous fastest time by more than 6.5 hours. James, of Croy, North Lanarkshire, said: “I thought that under 24 hours was possible but it wasn’t until the last 14 miles that I checked my pace.
“I saw then that I might be able to finish in under 22 hours and that is when I started to hammer it. It was great to get to Dunbar inside that goal.” The dad-of-two started his solo challenge on the west coast on July 3 at 8am. He followed the John Muir Way, through Argyll & Bute, West Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire, North Lanarkshire, West Lothian, Edinburgh and East Lothian. James was forced to battle rain for more than half of the run and he ran through the night.
He said: “I knew I was physically capable of running the 134 miles because I have completed 24-hour track races before. The furthest I have run on the track is 160 miles.
“But unlike track races there are more unknowns and you only have yourself to compete with. I decided to try to enjoy it and stay in my comfort zone for as long as I could.”
James was grateful to his support crew, including dad Andy, who supplied him with food, water and changes of running shoes.
He was joined by two other runners, Paul Giblin at the start and Rob Turner for the last 30 miles.
James said: “I was amazed by how many people came to cheer me on and the number who ran sections with me. It helped my motivation. It was such a humbling experience.”
Mark Munro, CEO at Scottish Athletics, described James’ performance as “absolutely stunning”. On Boxing Day 2019, Kristian Delacour, of Carluke, South Lanarkshire, also ran west to east on the John Muir Way in 29 hours and 29 minutes.