A keen runner and animal lover from York, Jack McGuinness, has completed an astonishing 12 marathons this year raising almost £1,400 for the RSPCA.
The past year has given Jack McGuinness a run for his money through his year-long marathon challenge, from highs such as bumping into former England football manager Gareth Southgate, racing around the grounds of medieval castles, to lows like enduring extreme weather, and having to say a sad goodbye to his beloved pet dog.
The challenge, named ‘Jack’s 12 in 12’ saw the 32-year-old photographer complete one full marathon every month across the country raising funds for the RSPCA – despite only taking up running just over a year ago.
Jack crossed the finish line of his twelfth and final marathon on 1 December at the Bingley Baubles Marathon, completing the 26.2 miles in just over four hours. He completed this final marathon a whopping 335 days after he began his first of the year at the Liverbird New Year’s Day Marathon back in January.
Over the year, Jack also finished the Shrewsbury Sports Village Marathon, the Great Welsh Marathon, the Manchester Marathon, the Edinburgh Marathon, Cholmondeley Castle Race Marathon, Belvoir Castle Marathon, Bath’s Two Tunnels Marathon, the Hever Castle Marathon, the Yorkshire Marathon and the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Marathon.
Jack said: “It feels fantastic to finally have got that final marathon in the bag. It’s been an amazing journey but it’s safe to say I’ll be hanging up my running trainers for a while. I can’t thank those who have donated so far enough for their support, I’m so grateful.
“A lot can happen in a year and through these monthly marathon challenges I’ve been able to experience so many different things, from amazing locations, challenging weather, and I managed to get a personal best marathon time of three hours 29 minutes at my fifth marathon.
“Sadly, the year also saw me have to say goodbye to my beloved border collie dog, Meg, which was devastating. She was 14 years old and such a wonderful dog, and she was one of the reasons I came up with the idea of raising money for the RSPCA. When I thought about the wonderful life my own dogs have had, I realised that the RSPCA is the reason that less fortunate animals get a second chance at being loved. It was incredibly difficult to find the willpower to run whilst grieving for her, but somehow I managed it and pushed on.”
Jack’s JustGiving page is still live for anyone wishing to donate towards his efforts, and also details his journey through the gruelling 12 months, as well as his Instagram page.
Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA said: “We are absolutely astonished by Jack’s efforts this year – a marathon every month for a whole year is incredible, there’s not many people who can say that!
“People like Jack and his incredible fundraising efforts means the RSPCA can carry out our vital animal welfare work, and help us inspire everyone to create a better world for every animal. We have so enjoyed following Jack’s journey over these 12 marathons and are so grateful for his incredible generosity and commitment towards animals. He sure deserves a rest!
“As we approach the festive period, the RSPCA has launched its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign and is calling on the public to support the initiative to ensure rescuers can continue their life-saving work during the busy winter period. People like Jack, who join us in wanting to protect animals, make such a difference to animal welfare. We really hope his achievement will inspire others to do something amazing for animals too.”
