John Naylor
Brathay 10in10 Athlete
I’m John Naylor and live in Wesham (between Preston and the Fylde coast). I ran my first marathon in 2012 and have been running them ever since. I will be taking on one of the toughest endurance challenges in the UK for a second time – the Brathay 10in10. Over 10 consecutive days, I’ll run 10 marathons, covering an incredible 262 miles around Windermere.
This challenge is especially personal for me this time. I suffered a bad ankle break and associated ligament damage in April 2026 and underwent surgery. I am currently still recovering and had to start my fitness journey again completely from scratch, from a starting point of not being able to walk. That makes this goal feel even more daunting, but also even more meaningful. Every step of my recovery and training will be a reminder of how far I still have to go – and how much determination it will take to get there.
While the physical challenge is immense, the real purpose is even more important. I’m fundraising for Brathay Trust, a charity that supports children and young people to build confidence, resilience and brighter futures through life-changing programmes.
The funds raised help Brathay continue its work with thousands of young people across the UK facing inequality, adversity and mental health challenges.
Training for this event will demand months of careful rehabilitation, preparation, determination and resilience, especially as I rebuild strength after injury. But knowing that every mile can make a difference to a young person’s life is a huge motivation to keep going, even on the hardest days.
Whilst I have run more than 150 marathons or ultras to date, I have not run any since my significant injury and the challenge to bring myself back to the level where I can run 10 in 10 days is huge. The above picture is one of me running the Langdale marathon in 2024 – around 5 months after completing my first Brathay 10in10 that year. It is my inspiration to at least return my level of fitness to where I was in that picture.
If you’re able to support me, whether through a donation or by sharing my fundraising page, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Brathay continue its vital work and will give me an extra boost as I work towards the challenge of 10 marathons in 10 days.
Experience
- 2012 Manchaster Marathon (my first marathon)
- 2012 Preston Guild Marathon
- 2013 Blackpool Marathon
- 2013 Chester Marathon
- 2013 Lancaster Marathon
- 2016 Berlin Marathon
- 2017 London Marathon
- 2021 Yorkshireman Off Road Marathon
- 2023 Tower to Castle Ultra (30 miles)
- 2024 Quadzilla (Enigma Running 4 marathons in 4 days)
- 2024 Brathay 10in10
- 2024 Chicago Marathon
- 2024 Langdale Marathon
- 2025 Brathay Celebration Marathon
- 2025 Castle to Castle Ultra (36 miles)