Henry Moores, a 24-year-old from Macclesfield with no previous running experience, has completed an extraordinary challenge: running 50 marathons across all 50 US states in just 58 days. He crossed the finish line of his final marathon in Hawaii on June 17, having covered 1,310 miles (2,096 km) and raised more than £30,000 for Be More Fab Children's Cancer Charity.
Spur-of-the-moment adventure
Moores began his journey in New York on April 17 with little more than a plane ticket, a hired car, and a determination to see America while supporting a cause close to his heart. Speaking about the challenge, he admitted: "Nothing was planned at all. We booked a flight and hired a cheap car and started to explore the states." He and his friend Tom drove approximately 17,000 miles across the US, often spending five to eight hours on the road before running a marathon with minimal sleep. "We did this for maybe three weeks straight, 4am starts, 10pm finishes, on zero training and running experience," he said.
Meaningful encounters
Despite the gruelling schedule, Moores cherished the connections he made. "The best moments were meeting people and connecting all over the world and just seeing the world first hand, breaking all the boundaries made by the media," he said. Thousands followed his progress online, and ahead of the final marathon, he posted an emotional video thanking supporters: "I've honestly had some of the hardest times of my life for this trip and if it wasn't for you guys back at home pushing me on every day, getting me up and giving me encouragement, I genuinely don't think I'd still be doing it."
Fundraising success
The fundraiser surpassed £30,000 after the challenge ended. On his JustGiving page, Moores wrote: "This is something I've wanted to do for so many years and especially in America. Be More Fab are a great charity but also people I'd now consider family. Choosing them once again was a no brainer." The feat follows his 2024 walk from Manchester to Ibiza, covering over 1,300 miles. Reflecting on his latest accomplishment, he joked he could move beyond being known as "that guy who walked from Manchester to Ibiza." After nearly two months on the road, his immediate plans were simple: "I'm going to enjoy my night tonight. Treat myself to a pizza on the beach and a massive bottle of freezing cold water."
