Olly Murs pushed through the penultimate day of his charity endurance challenge on Thursday, covering 50 miles from Nether Heyford in Northamptonshire to St Albans in Hertfordshire as he marked his 42nd birthday in pain and sweat.
The singer, who is running, cycling and rowing 249 miles between Manchester and London for Unicef, said the day had been punishing. “It’s been brutal today. My quad is so sore... I can’t believe this is how I’m celebrating my 42nd birthday – something I’ll never forget!” he said. By Thursday, the five-day Into The Unknown Challenge had brought in more than £610,000.
Thursday’s route mixed a row from Nether Heyford to Stoke Bruerne, a cycle through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and a run from Redbourn to St Albans. Local runners joined Murs on the final approach to St Albans Cathedral, and he said their support gave him a lift when he needed it most. “Nothing but respect for those guys. Thank you so much. I really needed that,” he said.
The late stage of the challenge also drew help from familiar faces. Mark Wright joined him for a cycle stint on Thursday afternoon, while Adam Gemili ran alongside him later in the day. Murs has not been told what each day will bring until shortly before the start, a detail that has made the challenge as mentally draining as it is physical.
The effort is part of Soccer Aid’s 20th anniversary, and Murs is due to finish at the London Stadium in Stratford on Friday after covering about 250 miles. He will also chart the ordeal in a documentary set to air on ITV on 29 May, extending the story beyond the finish line and into prime time.
For Murs, the route has become a test of endurance, surprise and sheer stubbornness. For Unicef, it has already turned into a major fundraising push, and the total will likely keep climbing before he reaches the London Stadium. Related coverage of Soccer Aid has already drawn attention to the wider campaign, including recent performances and build-up around the event.
