Sporting Spotlight: Jackie Naish and Chris Willis
ARU Estate and Facilities team members Jackie Naish and Chris Willis recently challenged themselves to run 100km across the Cotswolds for charity. Here's how they got on.
Names: Jackie Naish and Chris Willis
Staff, student, or alumni: Staff
Faculty/Service: Estates and Facilities
In your own words, tell us about your sporting achievement
While both of us are keen runners, this was unfamiliar territory. Chris had previously completed the Brighton Marathon, and I had experience with long-distance training runs of up to 22 miles, but neither of us had ever attempted anything close to this distance across two consecutive days.
We followed structured training plans and were confident that the miles were “in our legs”. What we hadn’t truly accounted for, however, was the relentless Cotswold hills – a lesson we would come to appreciate the hard way.
The challenge was undertaken in support of several charities close to our hearts: Alzheimer’s Society, MIND, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the MS Society. That purpose became invaluable during the more difficult moments, particularly for Chris, for whom the challenge carried special meaning following the recent passing of his father-in-law, John. Knowing why we were doing this helped us push on when our energy – and spirits – inevitably dipped.
Day one began at the University of Cirencester. The early miles were relatively flat and allowed us to find our rhythm. Unfortunately, our sat nav had other ideas. Despite being firmly on the trails, we deviated from the planned route, adding both distance and uncertainty. Nevertheless, after around seven hours on our feet, we finished the day tired but in good spirits and, surprisingly, genuinely looking forward to day two.
Day two started at Wotton under Edge, with the intention of finishing back in Cirencester. This time, we used a different mapping device, which worked flawlessly. What didn’t relent, however, were the hills – vast, frequent, and unforgiving. Both of us were fully regretting our predominantly flat training runs as our quads burned with every ascent.
The payoff came in the form of spectacular views, sweeping landscapes, and – thankfully – kind weather for most of the day. That kindness faded during the final two hours when the heavens opened, though it did at least give me an opportunity to test out my new Pac a Mac.
After nine long hours, we reached Stroud, rather than our intended finish. With our main battery depleted and the backup refusing to cooperate, we had no option but to call it there with the distance complete.
Was it tough? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Without question.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?
The sense of achievement is difficult to put into words, and the experience was as mentally demanding as it was physical. It tested preparation, resilience, patience, and teamwork – but it also delivered perspective, pride, and purpose.
For anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to commit to training, this is a challenge I would wholeheartedly recommend. It will push you harder than you expect – but it will also give you far more than you anticipate when you finally stop moving.