Runners from Chichester joined an extraordinary nationwide effort as Esmée Gummer completed 99 consecutive days on foot, hosting free 5k events across the UK and Ireland.

Runners in Chichester have played their part in an incredible endurance challenge after athlete Esmée Gummer completed a 5,000km journey across the UK and Ireland on October 3, setting a Guinness World Records title in the process.

Gummer finished The Nation’s 5k at Buckingham Palace after 99 consecutive days on foot, having hosted free community running events in all 77 UK cities and Dublin.

Her journey began on June 27 and saw her travel through Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales and England, running between cities before leading a free 5km run club in each location.

Runners in Chichester have played their part in an incredible endurance challenge after athlete Esmée Gummer completed a 5,000km journey across the UK and Ireland on October 3, setting a Guinness World Records title in the process. Picture: Kate Olivia May Marshall

placeholder image — Runners in Chichester have played their part in an incredible endurance challenge after athlete Esmée Gummer completed a 5,000km journey across the UK and Ireland on October 3, setting a Guinness World Records title in the process. Picture: Kate Olivia May Marshall

The challenge included a stop in Chichester, where nearly 100 people joined Gummer for a 5km run around Oaklands Park.

The event was part of her mission to make running accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Speaking during the Chichester leg, Gummer described the gathering as having a “real family feel”, with a sense of “calm and peace and love”.

By the end of the challenge, almost 6,684 people had taken part in her run clubs. Numbers ranged from four runners in Bangor to 520 in London’s City of Westminster.

Gummer covered the equivalent of 118 marathons back to back, went through 10 pairs of running shoes and spent much of the journey sleeping in gym and leisure centre car parks, with support from Nuffield Health and David Lloyd.

At the finish line, she was officially presented with a Guinness World Records title for the most run clubs hosted in different cities by an individual.

Reflecting on the achievement, Gummer said: “Ninety-nine days ago I honestly didn't know if my body would get me to the end. What I did know was that if I turned up, the communities I was running to would turn up too, and they did, every single time.

“This record isn't really about me. It's what happens when people show up for each other, city after city, week after week.”

Gummer’s achievement is particularly significant given her personal journey. At 18, she was paralysed following complications during a routine operation and was told she might never walk again.

She subsequently relearned to walk, dance and run, before completing marathons and ultra-endurance challenges around the world.

Across the 77 cities, her run clubs brought together experienced marathon runners and complete beginners, including people returning to exercise after years away.

The challenge has also raised thousands of pounds for charity, with donations still open. Beneficiaries include Sport In Mind, which supports people experiencing mental health problems through sport, and Wings for Life, which funds spinal cord injury research, alongside causes nominated by the public.

"Realbuzz exists to make running feel possible for everyone, and Esmée has done exactly that at a scale we've never seen from one person," said Nina Sethi, Head of Brand and Marketing at realbuzz.

"Being the official registration partner for The Nation's 5k meant watching thousands of people, many lacing up for a run club for the very first time, sign up city after city. That's the real record here - not just the distance, but how many people it brought with her."

Anyone who ran in Chichester - or at any stop on the route - can claim their own official Guinness World Record participant certificate.