Wiltshire businessman to run 62 ultramarathons in 62 days

A businessman from Wiltshire is planning to run 62 ultramarathons in 62 days for charity. Frank Wainwright, founder of Chippenham-based Frank Publishing, will test his endurance by running 30 miles a day, starting on Monday (July 1).

The 54-year-old father-of-four is hoping to raise money for a number of organisations including the Brathay Trust, which offers life-changing community programmes to children, young people and families in need.

During his 2,000-mile journey, which will begin in Newcastle, he is aiming to visit every cathedral city in England, including Canterbury, Truro and Carlisle. The route also takes in five national trails and six national parks. He will be running through the South West at the beginning of August, seeing local landmarks including The Eden Project, Bath Abbey and Bristol Cathedral.

He said: “Being in lockdown in 2020 gave me a new appreciation for England – I travelled around it whenever I could, running and making new friends, finding inspiration every step of the way.

"Throughout my past experiences, I have always championed youth and the great outdoors. I’m very positive about the next generation - given the right opportunities, they are destined to be better than us. The money raised and the message received will be used to hopefully build a lasting legacy – for young people growing up to make the best of the country that we live in, and to make it even better.”

Mr Wainwright has previously raised thousands of pounds for charity, including completing the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Howards Way Walk.

Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.

He only took up running a few years ago, completing his first ultramarathon in 2018, with his second including a 125km volcano ascent. Since then, he’s finished more than 100 ultras including across extreme terrain.

His recent achievements include being the fastest in the 2022 Mongol 100 - four marathons across four days on a frozen lake, at temperatures reaching -30°c in Mongolia - and winning the senior prize for the Lake Tahoe triple in California and Nevada.