Military fitness coach Farren Morgan finishes 1,000-mile ruck challenge for veterans charity
Ex-soldier and military fitness coach Farren Morgan has completed an extraordinary ruck challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats in only 25 days to raise money for veterans charity REORG.
As a veteran himself, Mr Morgan said he set out to inspire people by taking on a running challenge equivalent to more than 38 consecutive marathons.
"I decided last year to pick an epic challenge – 1,000 miles from the most southern point of the UK to the most northern point of the UK, carrying a 35lb backpack," he explained.
Mr Morgan achieved the remarkable feat despite picking up several painful injuries soon after the start.
His ankles swelled up, he had a leg injury, horrific blisters, as well as aches and pains in his hips, lower back and knees, all heightened by the heavy load he was carrying.
While the injuries slowed him down, they did not stop him from completing the challenge.
"All I had to do is, rather than doing big stints like 10,15, 20 miles, is do five miles sometimes, or three miles, and having to ice and compress and elevate and just have more rest," he said.
"I had something to achieve and that's what kept me going really. I didn't want to let anyone down.
"I didn't want to let the charity down, or my family, friends or myself down.
"That's why I got up every morning. I knew that one more step every day would get me to where I wanted to be."
A two-person support team in a camper van followed Mr Morgan for the entire route, ensuring he could reach the famous landmark of John O'Groats in good form.
But after the gruelling epic run, he had mixed feelings about finishing.
"When I knew I passed the finish line, touched the pole at John O'Groats, and it was over, I didn't really know if I felt amazing, or if I felt sad," he said.
"I had a bit of mixed emotion because I knew that it was over, although I was happy physically that I didn't have to take another step again."
Mr Morgan's job as a fitness coach meant he knew how to best prepare for the challenge, which included tackling tough elevations as he crossed the Scottish Highlands.
"I trained for it for six whole months, put my whole life into this, trained somewhere between 30 and 40 hours a week for it, so I put everything into it to make sure I succeeded," he said.
Despite the physical discomfort from his injuries, his mood was boosted by good weather, stunning scenery and plenty of public support along the way.
"I think there's a lot of positives. I learned a lot about myself and I've met some great people and raised some good money as well," he added.
"The support out there has been absolutely phenomenal, from the people out there on social media, especially the military community, have been especially supportive."
Raising funds for veterans
Mr Morgan has so far raised close to £8,000 of his £10,000 target for REORG, a charity which offers safe spaces for veterans through functional fitness and supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.
"I love what they stand for and what they do for people," he said. "They help veterans, soldiers, blue light responders, so me being a veteran myself, I thought it paramount for me to give back to that community and REORG was the perfect charity to do that for."
This is not Mr Morgan's first extreme challenge, nor is it likely to be his last.
In 2024, he attempted a world record by running a half marathon while carrying a 120lb load.
Once recovered from this challenge, he says he hopes to plan another event.
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