Everyone is talking about a new fitness challenge called 4x4x48, but what actually is it? The 4x4x48 challenge involves running for four miles every four hours for 48 hours. It can be done from anywhere in the world but takes place on a specific date. It starts on Friday March 5th at 4am and runs for 48 hours.
The challenge was started by David Goggins, a famous American ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, trisportspeople, motivational speaker, and author. Born in New York, the 45-year-old was formerly in the US Navy and Air Force and served in the Iraq war and has written a self-help memoir called Can’t Hurt Me. David first launched the 4x4x48 challenge in 2020 and it proved to be so successful that he’s brought it back for 2021.
We are thrilled that three Sporting Wellness supporters are taking part in this super challenging event this year to raise much needed funds for our cause – Finlay Allen, 21, Michael Viggers, 22, and 17 year old Ciaran Buckley.
Finlay and Michael will be undertaking the challenge in and around their home town of Plymouth. Finlay, who works for the Land Registry, said “Every year I participate in a gruelling challenge to test my mental and physical capabilities. Last year I completed the “Devon Grit”, a 47 mile mountain bike race. For this challenge, in aid of Sporting Wellness, I’ll be running each 4 miles on my own outside, then joining my good friend Mike for the final four miles at midnight on March the 6th.”
Finlay Allen and Michael Viggers, ready for the 4x4x48 challenge!
Michael, who is in his first year at Swansea University, said “I needed something to keep myself motivated in Lockdown. Running four miles every four hours for two days may seem hard, but as long as you don’t stop you can’t lose. That’s my theory anyway, but we will see if I’m still standing by the last four!”
Finlay and Mike at Just Giving
Ciaran Buckley is currently studying A’levels at The Campion School in Hornchurch. Ciaran is a keen sportsman and before lockdown was playing rugby for the school, where they were preparing for a tour to Australia which has now had to been cancelled. Ciaran is also an accomplished Karateka – just before lockdown he had been selected for the National Karate Squad, but all of this has been disrupted too.
Ciaran Buckley
Ciaran said “Although I have a keen interest in sport, I’ve never undertaken a challenge like this before, but this is for a such a great cause. Through bottling up feelings, thoughts and anxieties, I’ve learnt how quickly your own mental health can deteriorate, and I’ve realised how important it is to open up and speak about your mental health to those around you and trusted professionals.
I’ll be running around my local area varying my routes for a change of scenery, and I’ve even managed to convince my Dad and some friends to join me too on some of the runs!”
Ciaran Buckley at Go Fund Me
Knowing they are raising awareness about mental health and vital funds for Sporting Wellness will hopefully spur Finlay, Mike and Ciaran on to complete this amazing challenge. We wish our three amazing fundraisers the very best of luck over the coming weekend!