Following Jack’s record-breaking run across Australia in 2024, he is preparing to attempt a world record run across Iceland to raise £10,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Jack Pitcher, 30, will begin the challenge on 29 June, running from the northernmost point of Iceland to the south along the country’s A1 route. If successful, he aims to complete the crossing in just over six days, finishing on 5 July.
The route will see Jack run the equivalent of nearly three marathons a day through remote parts of Iceland, facing long hours on the road, strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions.
In 2024, during his last challenge, he covered 2,684 miles from Sydney to Perth in just 61 days and broke the British record for the crossing by 16 days, The Australia run saw him push through extreme heat, exhaustion and sleep deprivation. During the final stages approaching Sydney, he was forced to stop after experiencing hallucinations and dizziness following back-to-back ultra distance runs with little rest.
Jack said:
“Australia taught me a lot about what the body and mind can handle over long periods of time. Iceland is a completely different challenge. The conditions will be colder, more unpredictable and a lot more isolated in places.”
Unlike many endurance athletes, Jack has balanced training around full-time work while also organising much of the challenge logistics himself. He has spent months preparing physically while coordinating routes, support planning and recovery with a team of four friends who will travel with him throughout the run.
He chose to support SSAFA after seeing first-hand the difference the charity can make.
Jack said:
“A close friend of mine received support from SSAFA and seeing that made me realise how important the charity’s work is. I wanted to give something back and help raise money so that support is there for other people who might need it.”
Julie McCarthy, Director of Welfare Operations at SSAFA, said:
“Attempting to run the length of Iceland in pursuit of a world record is an extraordinary challenge, both physically and mentally, and we are grateful to Jack for choosing to do it in support of SSAFA.
“Across the UK and overseas, our teams support serving personnel, veterans and their families through difficult periods of their lives, providing practical, emotional and financial support when it is needed most.
“Knowing that Jack chose SSAFA after seeing the difference that support can make to someone close to him makes this challenge particularly meaningful for us.”
Jack and his support team will arrive in Iceland on 26 June ahead of the world record attempt starting three days later. The final days before the run will be spent preparing routes, supplies and support plans for the attempt to become the fastest person to run the length of Iceland.
People can support Jack’s challenge and donate via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jackpitcher
SSAFA has been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me”.
