Man becomes fastest Brit to run across USA raising £100K for cancer charity along the way

A 29-year-old man has beaten the British record for running across the USA to raise money for cancer support.

Beating the previous British record by a massive nine days, William Goodge completed his coast-to-coast run across America in just 55 days and raised thousands for cancer support in the UK and USA along the way.

Mr Goodge said: “It was very emotional. My dad and brother were there, and we embraced after I crossed the finish line.

“Pain can really serve as your superpower. That’s why I’ve done any of the things I’ve done – it’s come from a source of loss and a source of pain, but I’ve owned that and used it for something good. 

“When it gets tough out there, to me, there’s a sense of ignorance to my own suffering, because I know, seeing someone fight cancer, just how much worse that is.”

William’s run began on April 2 in Huntington Beach, California.

Crossing the finish line in New York on May 27, Mr Goodge, from Elephant and Castle, finished the mammoth challenge, averaging 55 miles a day, as he ran from LA to NYC, covering more than 3,100 miles and visiting 13 states.

The previous holder of the record was Bruce Tulloh, who completed his run in 1969, taking 64 days.

So far, Mr Goodge has raised more than £100,000. The funds raised will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the American Cancer Society.

Mr Goodge took on the extreme challenge in honour of his mother, Amanda, who died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018 at the age of 53. 

Andrew Gould, Macmillan relationship fundraising manager, said: “Becoming the fastest-ever Briton to run from LA to New York is simply phenomenal.

“Since the moment we met Will he has continued to amaze and inspire us all with his sheer determination, motivation and mission to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, and we are all so proud. 

“With the money raised, Macmillan can continue to be there for those who need us, when they need it the most.

“Thank you so much, Will, and we hope you can now take some time to rest and soak up this incredible achievement.” 

To donate to William’s fundraising effort, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/wills-run-across-america-for-cancer

Pictured top: William Goodge crossing the finish line (Picture: Macmillan Cancer Support/William Goodge)