Olly Murs has admitted he “can’t fathom” his achievement after completing a gruelling 400km challenge for Soccer Aid for Unicef. The singer ran, rowed and cycled from Manchester’s Old Trafford to London Stadium over five days, raising more than £800,000.
Speaking exclusively to The Daily Mirror, Murs said: “I’m feeling good, I think I’m still in a bit of a bubble. I didn’t quite fathom what I’ve done, still. I’m just really proud that I did it.” An ITV documentary, Olly Murs: Steps into the Unknown for Soccer Aid, airs on Friday at 9pm.
The 39-year-old broke down in tears at the finish line on May 15, telling ITV’s This Morning: “I am in bits. That run from central London to here was so painful, but I just kept thinking, I gotta get to the end.” He added: “Thank you to everyone. The donations have been amazing.”
Reflecting on the most emotional moment, Murs recalled seeing his wife and children unexpectedly during the challenge. “When my wife turned up, it’s weird, when you’re pushing your body to the absolute limit… any bit of positive, or anything lovely, you’re thinking of your wife and kids,” he said.
After finishing, the first thing he did was visit McDonald’s with his children. “It tasted so good. I think people were shocked that I was in the queue to get it but it tasted great. It’s all I kept thinking about all week,” he shared.
Murs confirmed this will be his only such challenge. “No, that’s my only challenge I’m ever doing. I’ve done it for Soccer Aid and I’m proud of that,” he said, adding: “Whoever gets the opportunity to do it next year… it’s hard work but it’s a once in a lifetime thing to do.”
