Endurance runner Megan Boxall is no stranger to challenges, having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and faced serious struggles with her mental health, she then decided she wanted to be the fastest woman to run the entire coastline of mainland Britain.

Now, despite gale force winds, a lack of washing facilities and running through the depths of a Scottish winter, Megan is on track to smash the current record by an astonishing 94 days.

Covering the equivalent of a marathon every day for nearly seven months, Megan’s journey will have taken her 5,240 miles when she returns to her starting point at Sizewell Beach, Suffolk on 9 May. Throughout it all, she has relied on the kindness of strangers, friends, friends of friends, and a growing community of supporters offering warm meals, places to stay, and encouragement along the way.

“The most uplifting part of this journey has been the kindness and generosity of people,” says Megan. “I’ve been truly blown away. People have given their time, shared their stories, many of them incredibly inspiring, and gone out of their way to help. We really do have so much to celebrate in Britain.”

Megan has also set herself the challenge of raising £50,000 for Samaritans, a charity that became a lifeline during a difficult period with her mental health between 2024 and 2025. Diagnosed with MS in 2024, Megan faced some of her lowest moments that year with both her physical and mental health, making five calls to the charity.

“When I was at my lowest, the Samaritans helped me keep going,” she says. “There were times when the pain in my mind was so intense I couldn’t pick myself up off the floor. Their volunteers were there for me when I needed someone most. I only wish I had picked up the phone sooner.”

Driven by this experience, Megan hopes her run will not only raise vital funds but also encourage others to reach out for support. “One in four people will experience suicidal thoughts and Samaritans answers a call for help every ten seconds. If sharing my story encourages even one person to talk or seek help, it will be worth it.”

Despite the physical and mental demands of running 200 marathons in 200 days, Megan says her motivation remains clear. “There have been a lot of low moments where I’ve questioned why I’m doing this. But coming back to my ‘why’, raising awareness for Samaritans, and reading messages of support from people keeps me going.”

Megan also draws strength from running itself and from time spent outdoors with her dog, Shadow, who joins her on parts of the route. Together, they have experienced some of the most remote and beautiful stretches of the British coastline.

Her journey also carries personal significance, following in the footsteps of her late uncle, who walked the same coastline aged 33 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

To mark the end of her challenge, Megan plans to finish where she started, at Sizewell Beach, before taking part in the same local Parkrun that began her journey. “After that, I’ll be celebrating with friends and family in the local pub.”

And she’s not stopping there. “I’m already thinking about what’s next while I’m out running,” Megan adds. “Later this year, I’m hoping to break the record for the fastest marathon run by a woman with MS.”

Running groups and clubs are invited to join Megan on sections of her journey and can sign-up here. You can donate to Megan’s fundraiser through her JustGiving page.

ENDS

For more information, please contact press@samaritans.org

About Samaritans:

- Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.

- Samaritans volunteers are available round-the-clock to listen and support people. They won’t judge or tell you what to do.

- Anyone in crisis can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org

- Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and around 23,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.

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