Highgate father completing 10km runs in every country for cancer charity
Dan in Kuala Lumpur. Picture: DAN THOMPSON - Credit: Archant
Highgate’s Dan Thompson has set himself a monumental challenge: to run 10k in every country in the world, fundraising for Cancer Research UK.
Dan Thompson with fellow fundraisers in Colombia. Picture: DAN THOMPSON - Credit: Archant
“There’s this amazing wonderdrug called exercise,” Dan said. “We may be in a difficult situation economically, but here’s something we can all do - you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic. Lifestyle has such a big impact on cancer rates.”
Dan’s mother passed away due to cancer in 2013, part of his reason for undertaking the challenge.
He has lived in Highgate for over a decade with his wife, a councillor, and children. But in the last three years he has run in 131 countries, starting in Norway. He has 75 to go.
He’s headed to seven countries in West Africa this January, and finishes the challenge in 2020 in Tokyo, in time for the Olympic Games.
Dan in Egypt. Picture: DAN THOMPSON - Credit: Archant
The UK 10k will be on Hampstead Heath in 2020.
“I want to see everyone there!” he said.
Dan with former Olympic hurdler Sally Gunnell and Lord Coe. Picture: DAN THOMSPSON - Credit: Archant
