80 ULTRAS IN 80 DAYS
On the morning of Saturday 27 September 2025, British ultramarathon runner Sam King set out for Project 74, 74 ultramarathons in 74 consecutive days, raising money for Headway UK, a charity specialising in brain injury.
About the challenge
Sam set out to complete 74 ultramarathons in 74 days as part of Project 74, inspired by his mum Penny, who suffered a serious brain bleed in January 2025. The number 74 represented his mum's age at the time. As this challenge went on, King came closer and closer to a Guinness World Record for the number of consecutive ultramarathons. Sam extended his challenge and went on to achieve this World Record title by completing 80 ultramarathons in 80 days.
Know the numbers
Each ultra was approximately 50 km (31 miles)
Sam continued for six days additional days, making it 80 ultramarathons in 80 consecutive days
King ran 4,000km (2,485 miles) over 80 days
As of October 2025, King has raised more than £86,000.
Who is Sam King?
King started running in 2018, having previously been significantly overweight and heavily involved in gaming. Sam previously worked an office job and traded this life for ultramarathon running full-time.
The inspiration behind the challenge? Sam King’s mother, Penny, suffered a brain bleed, so he wanted to raise awareness and money for people affected by brain injuries. He partnered with Headway UK to get this challenge the coverage it deserved and needed to be a success.
See more on Sam’s Instagram
Photography credit: fatboysking on Instagram