An endurance runner is taking on a 5,000km challenge, hosting free 5k events in every city along the way.
And Newport ruuners can get involved with a free 5k on September 18 at 12.20pm at the Riverfront.
Anyone can join - run, walk, jog or wheel it. No entry fee, no race number
Esmée Gummer, founder of The Nation’s 5k, began her journey in June and has already covered 1,555km, climbing nearly 17,000m in elevation and hosting 24 run clubs with 959 participants.
Her goal is to inspire one million people to get moving, and she has now set her sights on an official Guinness World Records attempt for the most consecutive free 5k events hosted by one person.
Esmée Gummer said: "Every single 5k along this route has been about showing up for people, whatever hogweed, hills or bad weather gets in the way.
"Going for this record isn't really about me – it's proof that a community can turn up, every single time, for each other.
"If we can do that 77 times in a row, imagine what we can do for good."
Her journey has not been without setbacks.
In early July, she was stung by giant hogweed, resulting in burns and swelling, but she continues to push forward with the support of friends and family.
Dr Louise McCullough, a friend from her time on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, has visited to cheer her on.
Her father joined her for part of the challenge in Northern Ireland, and her mother ran with her in Wales.
Ms Gummer’s personal story is at the core of the campaign.
At 18, she was paralysed following complications during routine surgery and was told she might never walk again.
She relearned to walk, dance, and run, and has since completed marathons and ultra-endurance events around the world.
In 2023, she founded The Say Yes Club, a weekly, no-pressure 5k in East London.
This became the model for The Nation’s 5k, with a focus on accessibility for all, regardless of pace, age, or experience.
The entire challenge also serves as a fundraiser.
Each 5k event supports Wings for Life, Sport In Mind, and parkrun – which is hosting 13 events along her route from Inverness to Cardiff.
Additional funds are directed to causes nominated by the public.
A spokesperson for The Nation’s 5k said: "Every free 5k doubles as a fundraiser, with money split between Wings for Life, Sport In Mind and parkrun, which is also hosting 13 of its own free community events along Esmée’s route from Inverness to Cardiff, plus a share going to causes nominated by the public.
"More than 1,300 people signed up in the first 24 hours after launch, and thousands more have joined since."
Members of the public can find their nearest free 5k via realbuzz and follow Ms Gummer’s journey via The Nation’s 5k website.
Share