Land’s end to John O’Groats with a J Pouch

Land’s end to John O’Groats with a J Pouch

Having a J Pouch proved no obstacle for RLG member and runner Bruce Willoughby’s ambition to complete this historic “Run Brittania” ultra marathon

When I told a friend I had a foolhardy dream to run an ultra-marathon he said: “What’s stopping you?” So, I made a list of all the obvious no-nos and improbables including sharing rooms and toilets with fellow competitors, lack of loos on the route, poor nutrition knowledge and hydration problems.

However, my fantasy of achieving the seemingly impossible was re-kindled when a running friend completed the 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and returned triumphant.

Then suddenly my earlier misgivings started to nag me again. I am a GP and had a pouch op in my 20s and for a long time the thought of running was too much due to the jigging about that can make you want to go to the loo. This sometimes made it easier to not do the things I wanted to do.

Despite that I had started to go for a few short runs gradually increasing the distances until in 2023 I ran the London Marathon. I then started to train more seriously and ran a 30-mile and then a 35-mile ultra-marathon which began to give me hope. 

Then, as luck would have it, I had a problem with my knee and needed surgery. This reduced my preparation time from 18 to six months and forced me to cycle to help build up my fitness.

The big day arrived on 31 May this year and the 22 runners taking part in the event catchily-titled “Run Britannia” met up at the start at Land’s End. 

The event itself turned out to be as much a physical challenge as a scenic adventure. During the first few days we were buoyed with excitement as we negotiated the stunning 630-mile South West Coast Path, followed by Somerset’s spectacular Cheddar Gorge and finally ending that first week crossing Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.

I was managing by eating low residue carbohydrate foods during the day and keeping myself hydrated, and then moving on to high protein and high carbohydrate drinks and meals in the evening.

However, by the end of the second week as we crossed into Wales and the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail, I faced a new challenge – aching shins and swollen ankles, popularly known as shin splints, which the event’s physio taped up to enable me to continue. 

In the third week our doughty crew reached the North West of England via the Runcorn Bridge, through St Helens and Preston, along Morecambe Bay to the Lake District. My shins were still suffering but, pain or no pain, it didn’t dull the excitement of crossing into Scotland at Gretna Green.

It was an emotional moment, celebrated with bagpipes and a hearty Scottish breakfast. I couldn’t believe we’d come so far, but we were still only halfway to John O’Groats.

Then reaching Glasgow, following the meandering River Clyde, in week four saw us push further north, skirting around Loch Lomond and crossing Glen Coe to Fort William on the West Highland Way in the shadow of Ben Nevis. 

My shins started to subside and allowed descents without major issues. Reaching Fort Augustus, along the Caledonian Canal, the final week, with over 200 miles still to go, was filled with breathtaking vistas, especially the infinity views above Loch Ness and the magnificently remote Scottish glens. 

The final day – 4 July – though wet and cold, couldn’t diminish our immense feelings of accomplishment as we rounded Duncansby Head and arrived at John O’Groats with a potent mix of pride, exhaustion, disbelief and relief.

It took us a total of 35 days (we actually ran for 31 days with a day off each week) and I’m proud and relieved to have completed something that two years ago I thought was impossible. 

I hope that by completing and sharing my dream, others will be inspired to try and achieve theirs – whatever it is.

A version of this article first appeared in ROAR! issue #69 – Autumn 2025. If you would like to read other articles like this, why not become a member of the Red Lion Pouch Support group? You will receive printed copy of ROAR! twice a year and have online access to archive ROAR! editions going all the way back to issue number 1, published in 1994. See pouchsupport.org/join for further information.