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Jamie Laing was joined by BBC Radio 1 hosts and friends Greg James, Matt Edmondson and Charlie Hedges in a special send-off show on Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James
Friends and family including wife Sophie Habboo joined Jamie as he set off on the biggest endurance challenge of his life
Jamie was joined by a flash mob of runners in Hyde Park from one of Comic Relief’s funded partners, The Running Charity, who were all dressed like the presenter
From Monday 17 March to Friday 21 March, Jamie will attempt to run across England, setting off from the home of Radio 1 in London and crossing the finish line in Salford, ahead of Red Nose Day’s night of TV
Money raised could help put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict here in the UK and around the world
Red Nose Day returns on Friday 21st March
For more information and to support Jamie, visit: comicrelief.com/ultra(opens in new window)
BBC Radio 1’s Jamie Laing set off on the biggest physical and psychological endurance test of his life this morning, heading off from London on his 150-mile 5-day-stretch to Salford. Jamie was surrounded by friends and family as he left BBC’s New Broadcasting House, including his wife Sophie Habboo and fellow Radio 1 hosts, Greg James and Charlie Hedges.
Jamie was sent on his way with a very special show on BBC Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James, who offered words of wisdom from his own challenge before sending him down to the start line. He was also cheered off the start line by Goodwork, a Comic Relief funded partner.
The first stop on the 150-mile journey was through Hyde Park, where Jamie was surprised by fellow Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson, along with a flash mob of runners who were dressed in Red Nose Day vests, bleach blonde wigs and Jamie Laing face masks. The lookalikes included Radio 1 DJ’s Sam and Danni, as well as representatives from The Running Charity, an independent charity that Comic Relief supports who harness the power of running to support young people who are experiencing homelessness or manage complex needs.
Day one of Radio 1's Ultra Marathon Man: with Jamie Laing for Red Nose Day will see Jamie navigate through the busy streets of London heading north towards Harpenden, passing through towns such as Borehamwood and St Albans.
Jamie said: “Wow, we’re here. The day is finally here. I’m anxious and excited. Having my wife, friends and colleagues here is an overwhelming boost and I know the listeners at home are cheering me on too. Greg said something great to me, he said ‘just let the adventure come to you’ and that’s what I’m going to keep in my mind throughout today. I had the honour of seeing firsthand some of the great work that Comic Relief’s funding provides recently when I met the amazing people at Empire Fighting Chance in Bristol – so knowing I’m doing this for them and so many others is really what’s keeping me going. There’s even some projects here this morning to see me off which is amazing, I can’t wait to meet even more along the route.”
The route will see Jamie run through cities, towns and villages where Comic Relief-funded partners are providing essential support in local communities to those who need it most .
Felicity Halstead, CEO of Comic Relief funded partner Goodwork, said: "We're delighted to be here to support Jamie's Ultra Marathon Man challenge which will be raising funds for Comic Relief. As a funded partner ourselves, donations make a huge difference to small organisations like GoodWork, allowing us to empower more young people from low income backgrounds to access great employment opportunities and set them up for success. It's a fantastic opportunity for our young people to visit the BBC today and we're looking forward to cheering Jamie on now, and throughout his challenge!"
Radio 1's Ultra Marathon Man: with Jamie Laing for Red Nose Day will be broadcast live on Radio 1 and BBC Sounds across the week, with video highlights on Radio 1’s social channels.
The money raised for Radio 1's Ultra Marathon Man: with Jamie Laing for Red Nose Day will provide vital funds that could help put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict here in the UK and around the world.
To support Jamie, go to comicrelief.com/ultra (opens in new window)
