Forget the traditional Christmas; Megan Boxall has something extraordinary planned. This festive season, she’s trading in mince pies for marathon miles as she races to become the fastest female to run the entire coastline of Britain!
Starting her epic journey on October 18, Megan aims to conquer a mind-blowing 5,240 miles in 200 days, running a staggering marathon every single day. With Christmas Day being no exception, she plans to spend the holiday running along the picturesque Welsh coast.
Megan’s journey isn’t just about breaking records; it’s a personal mission deeply influenced by her family’s story and her own mental health battle. Inspired by her uncle’s incredible feat of walking the British coastline after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Megan’s determination is a testament to her resilience and spirit.
She openly shares how running became her lifeline after a tough period in her life, including a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. “Running saved me,” Megan reveals, “Being by the coast, seeing amazing things, it just makes a difference.”
Her daily routine kicks off at 5:30 am, fuelling up and tackling painful blisters, with only a remote physio for support. Despite being relentless, with no weekends or breaks, she perseveres through all kinds of challenges, including severe shin splints that forced a rare rest day.
Running through Wales, she’ll cover over 700 miles, starting from Severn Beach and journeying through towns like Newport, Swansea, and all the way to Snowdonia just in time for Christmas. Though it’ll be a solitary holiday, Megan usually starts her day with a run anyway and isn’t daunted by spending Christmas on her own. In fact, she anticipates a rather unique festive experience.
This challenge is Megan’s way of tackling mental health during the often difficult winter months and shines a light on the good that still exists around Britain. She hopes her journey can inspire others to find their own path to wellness and fulfilment.
Whatever your festive plans, don’t forget to cheer for Megan as she races along our breathtaking coastline this Christmas! 🎅🏃♀️