The Cardiff man hoping to break the 870-mile coastal path record for charity
A Cardiff man is hoping to break a record when taking on 870-miles of the Welsh coast for charity.
Endurance athlete Rhys Jenkins, 32, started his challenge in Chester on Monday and will run 45-miles everyday for nearly three weeks during his attempt.
If he is able to reach Chepstow within 20 days, he will break the record for the coastal run, which is currently held by New Zealander James Harcombe with a time of 20 days and 12 hours.
"Each 45 miles is broken up into 7 miles and I know that at the end of that I get to see my wife and have a rest and a drink so it is okay," Rhys continued.
The ultra-runner will need to run the equivalent of 33.2 marathons and climb the height of Mount Everest 4.5 times in less than 20 days to break the record.
If it were not for the coronavirus lockdown, then this attempt wouldn't be taking place, as Rhys was supposed to be in California competing in the Badwater 135 for the second year running.
Participants have to run 135-miles across the hottest place on Earth in the Californian desert, the race is considered the world's toughest.
Rhys looked for a new challenge and decided to take on the Welsh coast, whilst raising money for three charities.
"This record attempt is for three charities that are extremely close and personal to me, my wife and my mum," Rhys explained.
"The CF Warriors, NSPCC and Maggie's Cardiff are all incredible causes that will keep me moving south during the tough times."
"I was absolutely gutted when Badwater was cancelled, but it has given me a great opportunity to attempt and hopefully set a new record in my home country of Wales," Rhys continued.
"It is really nice to do because I am extremely passionate about Wales and I am going to see it from a runners point of view on the coast."
You can watch our interview with Rhys Jenkins here.