LWC’s Phoebe Runs Length of Britain

Sternian, Phoebe, has become the youngest known woman to run the length of the UK.

 

The 18-year-old set off from John o’ Groats on Saturday, 20^th June and completed her 68-day journey on Wednesday, 26^th August, at Land’s End, having covered more than 1000 miles on foot.

 

“This experience has been such good fun,” reflected Phoebe. “I’ve loved being out in nature and experiencing the different landscapes and cultures along the way. It’s been amazing to see what I’m capable of by completing something that I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

 

Phoebe was inspired to take on the challenge by LWC Head, Adam Williams, who introduced her to the story of Imogen Boddy. Imogen is believed to have become the youngest female to run the length of the UK in 2022 at the age of 22. As with Imogen’s run, Phoebe’s achievement cannot be verified as an official Guinness World Record because of restrictions around age:

 

“For highly physical, endurance-based or journey records, Guinness World Records sets a minimum age of 16,” a spokesperson for Guinness World Records explained. “As competition cannot be opened to anyone younger, Guinness World Records does not monitor a ‘youngest’ category for this challenge.”

 

Phoebe set off on her journey shortly after completing her final A-level exam in June. She received her results during the challenge and learned that her 3 As had secured her a place to study for a medical degree from September. Running every step of the way alongside his daughter has been Phoebe’s dad, Chris.

   

“This particular adventure has given me something incredibly special with Phoebe,” Chris explained. “We’ve spent weeks together talking for hours, laughing, getting through difficult days and sharing experiences that neither of us will ever forget. With Phoebe about to head off to university and begin a completely new chapter of her life, I know I’ll never get this particular period of her life back. When I called this adventure the gift of time before we started, I don’t think I fully understood just how valuable that gift would be.”

 

Phoebe and Chris have smashed their fundraising target via their sponsorship page, with funds being split between the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and the National Autistic Society. The Lord Wandsworth Foundation provides an education for those who have lost the support of one or both parents, primarily through bereavement. Phoebe also selected to raise funds for the National Autistic Society following her own diagnosis in 2024.

 

“Being Autistic means that my brain feels like a very busy place,” she explains. “Running is a time when it all slows down. I can just focus on moving. I’m not thinking about anything in particular and I kind of like that. It allows me to switch off, get out into nature and it’s become a special place.”

 

“Without LWC, Phoebe may never have taken up running…in which case, we certainly wouldn’t be here today having shared this incredible adventure together…thank you somehow doesn’t feel enough.”

-Chris Harris, LWC parent

   

Phoebe didn’t begin running until four years ago, when she took part in LWC’s Chaplain’s Challenge (now the annual Stern Challenge, which aims to cover 100km in a single day). In May, she ran her first official marathon before embarking upon the ultimate feat in UK ultra running this summer.

 

“It feels really great to know that I’ve achieved what I set out to do,” Phoebe concludes. “Completing such a big challenge has made me realise that even the biggest goals are possible when you break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. It’s something I’ll take with me into whatever challenges come next.”

 

Both Phoebe and Chris are also keen to thank the LWC community for its unwavering support throughout the last few months. They have been joined at various stages of the run by students and staff, including LWC Head, Adam Williams, along with Teacher of Maths (and fellow ultra runner), Alex Hamilton.

     

“Without LWC, Phoebe may never have taken up running,” Chris explains. “And if Phoebe hadn’t started running, I probably wouldn’t have begun either. In which case, we certainly wouldn’t be here today having shared this incredible adventure together. Simply saying thank you somehow doesn’t feel quite enough. LWC has been there behind the scenes throughout the journey, constantly checking in, encouraging us and making sure our story reaches the wider LWC community and beyond.

 

“Knowing that there is a whole community back home following our progress and willing us towards Land’s End has meant a huge amount to both of us.”

 

And Phoebe’s final message to those at LWC who have supported her along the way?

 

“Go and explore! We are always told at LWC that there is so much more to life than grades, so make sure you make time for creativity, adventure and trying things that are outside your comfort zone. You never know what you might discover about yourself.”