What does it actually take to run 50km every single day for 100 days?

In this episode, we chat to David “Jacko” Jackson, former professional rugby player, breath coach and the man behind the incredible Mission IN-possible challenge.

Jacko is attempting to complete 100 ultramarathons in 100 consecutive days, covering a minimum of 50km every day, while aiming to raise an incredible £1 million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change.

When we spoke to David “Jacko” Jackson on Friday 14th August 2026, he had just completed Day 78 of 100 of his incredible Mission IN-possible challenge.

In 2013, Jacko's professional rugby career was ended by a traumatic brain injury. His recovery was uncertain, and running and breathwork became a huge part of rebuilding his life. Mission IN-possible is his way of turning that experience into something positive — raising awareness, raising money and showing that what seems impossible can become IN-possible.

And Jacko isn't doing it alone.

The community support has been incredible, with runners and walkers joining him along the way. His route uses loops, meaning anyone can get involved — whether you're an experienced ultra runner or simply want to run or walk a few kilometres alongside him.

Behind the scenes, his wife Catherine has also been absolutely integral to the challenge — running with him, driving, helping with food and fuelling and supporting him through the physical and emotional demands of doing this day after day.

We chat to Jacko about the reality of 78 consecutive days of running, his brain injury and recovery, the toughest moments so far, the incredible community around Mission IN-possible, Catherine's role behind the scenes, the £1m fundraising target and what it takes to keep getting up and doing it again.

A massive thank you to Jacko for giving us his time right in the middle of the challenge. At Day 78, this wasn't a conversation looking back from the finish line — he was still right in the thick of it.

Want to get involved? You don't need to run a marathon. Join Jacko for a loop, bring your friends and run your own little IN-possible.

🧠 Headway UK – https://www.headway.org.uk/
🧠 Head for Change – https://headforchange.org.uk/
💷 Donate to Mission IN-possible – https://givestar.io/gs/mission-in-possible-2-marathons-a-day-for-100-days
📍 Follow the challenge / get involved – https://thebreathrunningcoach.com/mission-in-possible
📸 Jacko: @thebreathrunningcoach

Jacko's book, Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger, is available here, as well as Amazon.

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