Help Paul Run 50KM in Every Country for Humanity

Aim

Support my mission to run my own 50KM ultra in every country & Antarctica — to inspire unity and remind the world humanity is still alive.

🌍 My 50KM Ultramarathon World Challenge

Hi, I’m Paul Hammond — endurance runner and adventurer. My 50KM World Challenge isn’t just about ultramarathons. It’s about transforming pain into purpose, turning loss into legacy, and proving that no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we can rise again — with more unity, strength, compassion, and humanity than ever.

💫 Why I’m Doing This

Running has always been my freedom, my therapy the place I return to when life feels heavy. I’ve run in countless events over the years, one of the most defining moments came during the 2011 London Marathon. About 200 metres from the finish line, my lung collapsed. I still crossed the line, and then ended up in hospital needing surgery. Recovery was brutal, but I stayed grounded in gratitude, supported by friends & family especially my younger brother, Matt.

Not long after, my world fell apart again when Matt suffered a brain hemorrhage and passed away on 30 June 2012. Losing him shattered me. I lost faith, purpose, and direction — and threw myself into extreme challenges like the Marathon des Sables (one of the toughest footrace on earth) just to feel alive again.

My outlook on life changed when I volunteered in Malawi. Despite having so little, the people radiated joy, generosity, and connection. They taught me that happiness is built on gratitude and service — and that experience helped me rediscover my mojo & purpose.

And when the world went into lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic — drowning in fear, anxiety, division and disconnection — I realised something deeper: the way we heal is through health, movement, community, and unity. Running is one of the simplest ways humans reconnect — with ourselves, with nature and with each other.

I’ve completed numerous challenges, including a Guinness World Record in the London Marathon dressed as Big Ben. For my 50th birthday, I ran my own 50km ultramarathon, and it sparked a bigger vision of continuing running 50kms all over the World. I’ve now completed 23 of my own 50km ultramarathons across 17 countries.

The toughest so far was running three 50kms in three days across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The most meaningful was guiding my blind friend Sha through his first ultramarathon — a powerful reminder that running isn’t just about endurance; it’s about human connection.

In the challenging moments of every run, I think of Matt. I think of Malawi. I think of the world we’re all trying to rebuild — a world that needs more compassion, more connection, more courage.

This challenge — is my way of honouring those we’ve lost, transforming pain into purpose, and inspiring unity across borders and cultures. I hope it reminds people everywhere that as long as we’re moving forward, together, there is always hope — and humanity is still alive.

🌏 The Vision

To complete a 50KM ultramarathon in every recognised country on Earth — including Antarctica.

Each run:
• 50KM (31 miles) — an official ultramarathon distance
• Self-supported — no crew, no race, just me and the open road or trail
• Mapped & verified — with GPS data, photos, and local witnesses
• Designed to — celebrate people, culture, & humanity, through adventure &  running

This challenge is about so much more than kilometres — it’s a reminder that we’re all connected and capable of more than we think.

💛 How Your Support Helps

Your donation will directly support:

• Flights and overland travel between countries
• Food, water and lodging
• Safety and health logistics in certain regions
• Kit and equipment
• Visas
• Support team assisting with planning and coordination
• Filming and documentation to share the journey globally

This is Stage 1 of a growing global mission. To complete the next stage, I’m raising £50,000. Every donation — big or small — helps fund another 50KM and keeps the journey moving.

Your support means more than you know. It keeps me going through the hardest kilometres, knowing I’m not running alone. I believe my brother Matt is still with me, whispering, “Believe you can achieve.”

This challenge is about far more than distance. It’s about turning loss into legacy and showing what the human spirit can do when we come together.

I’ll be sharing updates, photos, videos, and stories from each country — the people I meet, the lessons I learn, and the moments that test me.

Follow the journey:
• Instagram / Facebook / YouTube (links coming soon)
 • Official blog: [link to be added]

🙏 Thank You

Thank you for believing in this mission and being part of something bigger.

Together, we can remind the world that no matter what challenges we face, we each have the power to turn loss into legacy, and purpose into something that inspires others.

With every step, every country, and every kilometre, we’re showing that through endurance, love, and human connection — anything is possible.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 17th December 2025