Bob Yates Completes 1,030-Mile UK Run for 60th Birthday

Bob Yates Crosses the Finish Line at John O’Groats After 1,030-Mile UK Run

On Friday, July 4, Bob Yates completed his extraordinary 1,030-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, marking the end of a five-week ultra-endurance challenge to celebrate his 60th birthday. He was welcomed at the finish line with a dram of whisky and heartfelt applause from supporters — a fitting end to a monumental achievement.

A Journey of Endurance and Purpose

Bob ran the equivalent of an ultra marathon each day, following a route that took him:

• Along the rugged coastline of southwest England
• Through Exmoor National Park
• Into Wales and past Preston
• Across the border into Scotland
• All the way to John O’Groats

The journey tested him physically and mentally. He battled a bad ankle early on, endured extreme weather ranging from heatwaves to storms, and pushed through fatigue, blisters, and tough terrain.

Reflections from the Finish Line

“I’m exhausted but delighted to have crossed the finishing line,” said Bob. “I know once it’s sunk in that I’ve done it and the feet have stopped aching that I’ll look back and really appreciate all the work I put in to achieving this.”

Bob’s transformation over the past six years — from a sedentary office worker to a dedicated ultra-endurance athlete — has been remarkable. The last three and a half years, especially the past six months, were filled with intense training, including multiple marathons and ultra marathons.

Running for a Cause

Bob’s run wasn’t just a personal milestone. He raised over £5,000 (with donations still coming in) for Humanity Direct, a charity that funds life-saving and life-changing surgeries for children in Uganda.

“I wanted this run to really achieve something,” Bob said. “Every mile meant more donations, which means more children get the safe surgery they need. That thought kept me going through the bad ankle, bad weather, and blisters.”

A Word from Humanity Direct

Marc Shalam, Co-Founder of Humanity Direct, praised Bob’s achievement:

“Bob is nothing short of an inspiration. We’re incredibly proud he chose to dedicate this challenge to Humanity Direct. His incredible achievement has helped raise thousands of pounds to fund vital life-saving and life-changing operations for children who don’t have access to the medical care they need.”

Would you like this formatted for your website or newsletter? I can also help draft a follow-up interview or visual timeline of his journey if you’re planning a deeper feature.

Want to Support Bob’s Cause?

Donations are still open. Every pound goes directly towards life-transforming surgeries. You can donate to Bob’s fundraising campaign, visit: https://www.humanitydirect.org/bob/