This Summer British ultra-runner and former European 24hr Champion Dan Lawson ran 825 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in less than 10 days and now the much-awaited film is released. 

Join the loveable rogue Lawson as he averages over 80 miles a day on the roads and trails of Great Britain to break Richard Brown’s 25-year-old record of 10 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes.

dmtwo media’s Dave MacFarlane joined the crew for the entire adventure and in doing so has created one of the most memorable and endearing films about ultra-running that you’ll watch this year.

The film premiered at the Kendal Mountain Festival yesterday and now you can improve your weekend by watching it on Vimeo On Demand. 

For those who missed it read about Fast Running Editor Robbie’s reflection of the adventure itself and former Fast10er James Stewart finding inspiration  on the A roads of Scotland, watching Dan hit rock bottom and get back up again. 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

Up the whole of the UK

From the treacherous A30 in Cornwall, through England, Wales and Scotland and battling along the A9 in Scotland, the ultra-runner’s relentless progress, supported by his family and friends, is simply an inspiration.

Along the way Dan was joined by a whole host of runners, to cheer and guide through towns and cities, but also showcasing the beauty of the British running community at the same time. “The right people always turned up at the right time” said Lawson.

For those just starting on their own running journey, to experienced ultrarunners and adventurers, there’s so much for everyone in the packed 30 minutes of viewing. If you don’t come away from the film inspired to run out of the door and not stop until John O’Groats, then we can’t help you.

For just £3.75 the film is available to watch on Vimeo , as well as added out-takes and extra interview footage from the record-breaking run.

To celebrate the launch, we will also be hosting a Facebook Q&A session with Dan and his coach Robbie Britton on the Wednesday 2nd December at 7.30pm on the Fast Running account.

So if that’s piqued your interest then get on Vimeo and watch the trailer.

If you enjoy it, then tell your friends. It could even make a good Christmas present. We might be a bit biased, as both Dan and Dave are friends of Fast Running, but the film is a belter. It’ll make you smile and even gets a bit emotional, but it’s inspiring to boot.

Normally we advertise Fast Running Coaching here, but it’s Black Friday Weekend so we’re just telling people to scratch that consumer itch by going to buy a tree from Trees not Tees. We reckon Dan Lawson would approve. 

The post Breaking10: Dan Lawson LEJOG Film launched appeared first on Fast Running.

It’s approaching 7pm on Friday evening. We are somewhere north of the Cromarty Firth approaching Alness.

I’ve been with the team since 5pm the night before. Sleeping in car for a few broken hours in a deserted Aviemore car park, driving hundreds of miles to get there and get home. I dodged trucks, ticks and got sunburn on my neck and blisters on the tops of my toes.

All to run alongside Dan for about 75 or so miles, to try and help his relentless march to the signpost at John O’Groats.

And it was worth it, and more. For at that point, as the sun shone down beautifully across the Scottish Highlands, I witnessed a resurrection that makes me want to cover The Stone Roses classic but to change the chorus to Dan is the Resurrection.

I had goosebumps watching Dan slug out mile after mile. Just five hours earlier Dan had pleaded with his crew for a rest. He was breaking down. The incessant mileage and the madness of Scotland’s most dangerous road, the brutal A9, had begun to put Dan in a dark place in both body and mind.

A team effort

I got to witness an amazing balance of athlete care, record focus and excellent decision making in what was approaching the 9th day of continuous epic endeavour. The next steps at this point could make the difference between success and failure. Too reckless at this stage could make for regrets. Not bold enough could make for regrets. The balance was delicate.

Make no mistake, this is not only physically and mentally demanding undertaking for the runner, but for their crew it is as brutal and demanding in its own way for so many different reasons.

But, where are my manners? You may have no idea what the hell I am yapping about here.

In short order. Dan Lawson set a new record running from Lands End to John O’Groats. He bested Richard Brown’s 10 days and 2 hours mark, taking it to 9 days and 21 hours (+change) and in the process beat the 10 hour mark. This is LEJOG’s 4 minute mile.

And I had a ringside seat for a small part of it.

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

The community has a front row seat

Ultrarunning is well known for its accessibility and community. I mean, you can’t just rock up and run with Laura Muir as she attempts a record run. But the average runner can spend a mile or two with Dan as he undertakes this LEJOG mission.

In fact, it is encouraged. From Penzance to Perth it was happening every day. It has the twin benefits of giving a fillip to the runner, the record chaser, whilst at the same time helping reinforce that sense of camaraderie that makes this facet of the long distance two-legged propulsion game so unique.

Meanwhile, Dan has a level of generosity of spirit – an attitude of gratitude – that makes people gravitate towards him like metal to a magnet.

Running alongside Dan for the short time I did (relative to his overall charge) was a lesson in determination and drive. His crew are exceptional. Charlotte is as focused and tough and caring as you could wish for in a partner. Always striking the balance of compassion and competition.

Robbie Britton is someone I have experience with in the GB24 team, but this is a different level, needing different decisions for different cares and concerns. As Dan began to wobble midway through Day 8, I watched Robbie and Charlotte get smart quickly. They understand the inner workings of their runner. Charlotte knows the man and the athlete, and Robbie the athlete and the man. That balance showed up so importantly in that moment.

Fresh plans late in the day

A new plan was hatched. A eye on how to best maintain the forward momentum needed to ensure that John O’Groats would be reached before 7am on Sunday. That was what was required to make the record happen.

I watched people come and go and give over anything that Dan needed, that the team needed, in selfless shows of support and it warmed my heart. I got to meet long time social media friends Jim Mann and Ally Beaven. Ambulance drivers shouting encouragement.

Random people with cameras rocking up in lay-bys and passing places to snatch blurred images or wobbly videos of Dan as he pushed north. Him always thanking them. Always.

Then there was Alan Rankin – the physio from the GB squad – who must have driven well over 1,500 miles to meet Dan in various locations at the end of many days just to rub some life back into his aching legs. And, of course, the indefatigable encouragement machine that is Mick Seymour. He’s my Mick Seymour on GB duty. But for 10 days he was Dan’s and Dan’s alone. Except when I needed coke and Clif bar.

As if to make the point about the way this sport is about the community, the previous record holder, Richard Brown, had used planes, bikes and automobiles to be there for the last few days and to help push Dan on. HIs interest was in seeing the record go down. His record. His mark. By his friend.

Dan Lawson LeJog 2020 Teaser from Dave MacFarlane on Vimeo.

More than just the runner, a whole community

On social media all you see are pictures of a runner. A bit of drama in the face at the smartly snapped shot, or a moment in time that cannot do the hours and days of toil, effort and emotion justice. It’s a snippet that can be positioned anyway the taker prefers it to. When you are inside the ropes as I had the honour of being for a couple of days, you see the inner workings of ambition, talent and team all combine to create legend and greatness. Which is exactly what happened here.

To see that was inspiring. It was humbling. It was something I am proud to have witnessed. It also has me google mapping. If that is a verb…

They say you should never meet your heroes. Frankly, if my experience of meeting Dan, a hero of mine, is anything to go by, I’d encourage you all to meet them and more. He is, quite frankly, amazing.

EPILOGUE: Dan and I passed an hour or so chatting as we created our dream teams for a West Ham v Celtic all star match. A nice example of how you pass time on a journey that lasts just shy of 240 hours. I have noted down both teams and may put them together for a simulated game, maybe Fast Running will post the match report one day. Jinky v Roberto Carlos (one of Dan’s wildcards) would be up there with LEJOG.

If you want to be one of the first to see the full film this autumn then the best plan of action is to follow @davemacfarlane on Instagram and join Dan and Charlotte @rerunclothing. We at Fast Running will keep you updated too. 

The post Down, but not out appeared first on Fast Running.

Ordinarily this article would have rushed out as soon as the GB 24hr runner had finished, but as part of the support team the exhaustion was a little shared.

To start, we’ll clarify that the record being targeted was the recognised ten days, two hours and twenty five minutes set by Richard Brown. The nine days mark set in 2002 is widely ignored in the ultra running community. 

What Lawson achieved this month is one of the greatest British ultra running performances of all time. To witness it first hand was astonishing and to see the depths to which he dug was inspiring in the utmost.

To quote Lawson the day after “I’m a shell of a man now. I’m empty. Hollow. There’s nothing left.”

Dan Lawson LeJog 2020 Teaser from Dave MacFarlane on Vimeo.

The optimum route

Both physically and metaphorically there will always be plenty of undulation in a record attempt this big. Having planned the route myself we aimed to take advantage of Lawson’s effortless ability to float uphill, but mainly in the early stages of the run and earlier in the day.

It was possible to cut miles from the normal 830-40 distance by taking trails and hills, both of which can cause problems for a runner in such a big endeavour. With our planned route around 815 miles and the final distance around 820 (diversions and a couple navigation errors), we were very happy with the distance.

When off the large A-roads that characterise this run for many, little shortcuts, trails and backroads were synonymous with saving time. Whether or not they were actually quicker, with a couple rough trails or hills asking questions, psychologically Dan knew he was on a shorter track. It all helps.

Dan, Debbie Martin-Consani and Edwina Sutton enjoy a brief respite from the A9 traffic. Photo: Dave MacFarlane

The right people at the right time

Another key factor were the support runners. Note we don’t use “pacers” as it was vital Lawson kept to his own pace, or effort level, throughout.

Whenever company was needed, it was there. Such is the love and community within the UK running scene people were out on the roads selflessly helping out whenever it was needed.

At other times the mindful runner wanted his own space. To get into the zone. As he would say “the universe provided”.

Never before have I seen the energy provided by other runners so visibly transfer to another. A good spirited runner could pick Dan off the floor. With a mixture of distraction, not wanting to disappoint and just sheer positive energy, each supporter played a key part in the success.

As many as possible signed the support vehicle of Mick Seymour, who had been there with Charlotte Jalley, Dan’s wife, in the 2018 recon attempt that ended with a swollen runner physically unable to continue.

An A-road buffet

One of the most impressive elements of this record was Lawson’s continued dedication to fuelling. Something he’s dedicated significant mental energy and training time to is making sure he can continue to eat on such big runs. Simply put, without it he would have ground to a halt.

With SiS Beta Fuel playing a major part, providing the baseline carbohydrate intake, cheese sandwiches, pasta and beans all featured. The support vehicle waited around 8-10 miles each time with some real food and Tailwind Rebuild protein drinks. Whilst, for large parts, the support bike (James Elson’s childhood bike kindly lent for the task) provided Beta Fuel, Precision Hydration, Shot bloks and Vimto (not all together).

Even at the lowest points, including a difficult end to day three before Ludlow, Lawson dedicated himself to eating. Early (ish) evenings meant a proper dinner each night. Scampi and chips featured multiple times, as did pizza, pasta and a baked potato with cheesy beans in Perth.

From early on mouth ulcers caused significant pain and discomfort but it didn’t stop the man from fuelling. It played a huge part in his success.

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

The ups and downs

A heavy bonk (possibly a combination of excessive sun exposure and/or low fuelling) on day three, was the first hurdle. A bath and a night’s sleep rejuvenated Lawson and each morning miles were ticked off with metronomic efficiency.

Relentless Forward Motion was his mantra and during the day he rarely stopped. Walking through each checkpoint, never once getting into the support vehicle, it was psychological as well as physical. He didn’t allow himself to stop.

Chaffing played a part and the end of each day got progressively harder but the first big hurdle waited until way past Inverness.

With fellow GB runner James Stewart in support, Lawson was falling asleep on his feet. Tired physically and psychologically of the tortuous A9, one of Britain’s deadliest roads, we stopped early for a 3 hour sleep.

Back on the road

Back out of the camper van, he moved well again. A 20km shortcut off the busy road provided a much needed respite. James Stewart, Jim Mann, Richard Brown (current record holder) and Alan Rankin (our physio who travelled 100’s of miles over 5 days of support) shared some of those miles and kept him in good spirits (as did the 8-2 Barcelona-Bayern Munich match we played on a speaker).

Despite a plan to push through to the finish, exhaustion hit again around 11pm. Slowing to a stagger, we started to worry. With Richard Brown, Jim Mann and I willing him forward, Lawson started to lose the ability to run.

At this point the support of filmmaker Dave MacFarlane was vital. There to make a film, his caring nature meant he was there to support too. Leapfrogging in half mile stints, MacFarlane made hot food on a camping stove and Lawson took a 10 min kip in the back of his van on the side of the road. It worked. Kind of.

After the 10 min sleep we made it the extra couple of miles back to the A9 and our main camper van. Another three hour sleep was needed.

The last town before JOG, Wick was a long time coming. Photo: Dave MacFarlane

The final countdown

At four in the morning on Saturday, still 85 miles from the finish, came the darkest moment. Getting out of the van we all worried Lawson couldn’t finish. He could barely use his left leg and stumbled back onto the road.

Supporting on the bike, mentally calculating when this pace would see us reach John O’Groats, things looked grim.

After picking up a little Lawson asked to be left alone. As a coach, friend and supporter it was a really hard moment, but it felt key. By leaving Dan alone we showed him our belief, our trust in his ability. Long gone was the ability to convey that belief in words as our voices and faces were full of worry.

From then on he barely stopped. In a 22 hour final push Lawson ran to John O’Groats, stopping once to hug his Mum, who had surprised him before Wick.

An early celebration

Getting to the finish around 2am Sunday morning, the celebration was muted. From experience, in a multi day effort like this, one celebrates not at the end, but when realisation dawns that you will finish.

For every moment before, the days and hours where success isn’t guaranteed, you have some self-doubt. When you get close enough that you know you will finish, you allow a small celebration. This was a few hours before the actual end.

A culmination of not just two attempts, years of ultra running and the recent training block, this record is a sum of Dan Lawson’s entire life. Every part of him played a part in this success. The team simply helped him reach his own potential.

So after nine days, 21 hours, 14 minutes and two seconds, Lawson became the first man to run the length of Great Britain under 10 days. Well done mate, you did us all so proud.

Dan Lawson ran the entire route in second hand clothes, promoting sustainability through his own ReRun Clothing. Ask yourself, “do I really need that tee-shirt?”

Want to run faster? For just £30 per month athletes are provided with a Final Surge plan for each day of the week, coaching advice from Robbie Britton and Tom Craggs, as well as access to the unique Fast Running Performance community.

If you would like more information on joining the project, click here. 

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