UPDATE

Well people it’s time for a major update.

Sadly I am going to have to change the destination of my Nakasendo Trail run, this is due to issues with isolation and entry. Japan remains a closed country and the likelihood of it's borders being open in time for April without restrictions is far too slim to take the chance.

So on this basis I have decided to make an alternative plan.
I am going to run from Bordeaux to Barcelona via Andorra through the Pyrenees.

This is a slightly longer run of 570km and the total elevation is 5598m, so it’s actually quite similar to my planned run in Japan.

As before I am still intending to complete this in 10 consecutive days. I will be running solo and self supported. This is a route that I have mapped out myself and I have bought a GPS watch so I hope I don't get lost!

As my plan develops I will update this page. I hope that anyone
who has already sponsored me is happy with the alternative arrangements!

New facbook page if anyone wants to follow is:-

https://www.facebook.com/bordeauxbarcelona2022

PREVIOUS 

Welcome to my page.

In April 2022 I will turn 50. There was a time when I thought that I might not reach this milestone.

As most of you know back in 1996, I was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called FAP. I was admitted to hospital for a lifesaving operation to remove my bowel and several other bits that I no longer needed (apparently!). There is no cure for FAP but surgery certainly slows the process down. There is some more information on Bowel Cancer UK at the end of this introduction and I think you will see why I have chosen to support this worthy charity.

Well, to celebrate this self-professed momentous occasion I have decided to run the Nakasendo Trail in Japan. This is a self created run with only me planning it and running it.

The Nakasendo Trail is an ancient pathway between what was Japan's old capital Kyoto and the new capital Kyoto. The original trail went across the mountains and was 537km (336miles) long. Sadly some of the trail has been lost to time, so my revised route is 563km (352miles). The total elevation for this run is 6813m. 

I plan to start my run on my Birthday Sunday April 3rd 2022. As it stands, I will be running this alone and self-supported. It's my intention to say overnight in some of the 69 small villages on route. I have given myself 10 days to complete this run, with a 35 mile daily average.

So, people, dig deep and show your support.

If you feel so inclined you can follow my training and journey here:

https://www.facebook.com/nakasendotrail2022

Love and peace,

Richard

BOWEL CANCER UK

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.We fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.We’re here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.