Jamie Laing, the reality star-turned-radio presenter, is currently running the gauntlet of a lifetime as he embarks on a daring 150-mile ultra marathon challenge to raise funds for Comic Relief. This ambitious endeavor involves completing five ultra marathons over five consecutive days, kicking off on March 17 and culminating on March 21, all leading to a final destination at the BBC 1 studio in Salford.
Laing's journey commenced early Monday morning at 8:20 AM from Broadcasting House in London, where he took his first strides on a daunting 30.2-mile route to Harpenden in Hertfordshire. On day one, he endured the grueling trek for roughly 5 hours and 44 minutes, shedding an astonishing 4,000 calories in the process. Speaking about the experience, Laing humorously remarked, "I just want to say thank you to literally every single person who's donated. Honestly it just makes me want to keep running. The best news I could possibly hear. You guys are all amazing! I'm sore, I'm tired, and I need to have a new bum!"
The pain, however, wasn’t solely from his efforts. During an appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain with hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid, Laing humorously recounted his physical struggles, including "pain in his bottom" after clocking over 50 kilometers in just day one. Laing joked about the foreign sensation he was experiencing, claiming, "Honestly, guys, my bum hurts so much! It's a new pain that I've never felt before." Susanna Reid, realizing the odd depth of their current conversation, playfully interjected, "Right, that's enough, that's enough, Richard. Honestly, right let's move on."
Yet, the amusing banter belies the serious cause behind this ultra marathon. Jamie Laing is not just running for the sake of it; he is taking part in this arduous challenge to raise awareness and funds for Comic Relief, which marks its 40th year of philanthropic efforts. Samir Patel, the CEO of Comic Relief, expressed gratitude for Laing’s commitment, stating, "We couldn’t be more grateful for Jamie to be taking on this challenge for Red Nose Day. Comic Relief is celebrating its 40th year of going big, giving big, and feeling good and it doesn’t get bigger than this." His words underline the urgency of the charitable cause—which aims to help tackle some of the pressing issues people face both internationally and within the UK.
As the challenge progresses into day two, Laing faces another 30-mile trek from Harpenden towards Kettering. While some might question the sanity of such an undertaking, for Jamie, the experience is personal. He openly spoke about his battle with anxiety in his 20s and how participating in this challenge aligns perfectly with his desire to inspire others who may be in darker places. "I got asked to do this by Radio 1 and Comic Relief and I thought it would be an amazing thing to do. So many people have done it before, but also, more than that, it's such an amazing opportunity to raise lots of money for Comic Relief," he shared.
Already, Laing’s determination has paid off, with his fundraising campaign receiving an overwhelming response from fans and donors. By the morning of day two, he had surpassed £80,000 in contributions, showcasing the generosity of those rallying behind him. "I've got to say, this support is the best news I could possibly hear. It's given me the energy to keep on going, even when my body is screaming for a break," he mentioned gratefully in his reflective moments.
According to updated reports, Laing completed over 17km of his second day's run early this Tuesday, continuing to keep pace with his ambitious goals. His running route will take him next toward Market Harborough on day three and then onto Kegworth in Leicestershire the following day, concluding with the grand finale in Salford on Friday, March 21.
For anyone inspired to support Laing in his challenging journey, donations can easily be made through various means. Text donations are available via mobile, where individuals can text specific keywords to 70011 to contribute. Each text incurs a standard message charge, but the entirety of the donation goes towards the Comic Relief cause.
The level of commitment displayed by Laing is another reminder of the spirit of Comic Relief: enduring challenges to help those in need. In an era when many face tough choices, the money raised through efforts like these is crucial in providing aid to those who may feel hopeless.
As the days roll on and Jamie continues his arduous quest, the laughter and lightheartedness shared on platforms like Good Morning Britain serve as a curtain-raiser to the relentless commitment required behind the humour. The road ahead may be long and fraught with physical trials, but Laing’s humour, determination, and the support he has garnered from the public will make each step even more meaningful.
