Fundraising Challenge Updates: David Goggins' 4x4x48

Hello everyone,

Kevin Brittain here, and welcome back to my diary of a Runpreneur—consecutive day 1406. Today, I want to give you an update on our exciting and intense fundraising challenge based on David Goggins' 4x4x48. We've got a remarkable group of 42 runners registered, all striving to raise over £10,000 for SafeHaven4Caitlin. Let me dive into the details of this challenge, our progress so far, and how we hope to change the life of one brave little girl.

For those unfamiliar with the 4x4x48 challenge, it's a gruelling test of endurance where participants run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. Originating from Navy SEALs training, this challenge is not just about covering 48 miles, but also about overcoming the mental hurdles of sleep deprivation and the repetitive stop-start nature of the event. Having to pick up and run every 4 hours, regardless of fatigue, weather, or time of day, is a massive mental and physical challenge.

So far, out of the 42 who have verbally committed, around 30 have officially signed up. We expect the remaining participants to register in the coming week. What's truly amazing is the diverse range of runners we have. From non-runners to seasoned endurance athletes, everyone is united by a singular goal: to raise funds for Caitlin Passy, a brave ten-year-old battling Batten's disease, a terminal genetic condition.

Caitlin's condition is heartbreaking. She's not expected to live past 20, but with our help, we can ensure her remaining years are as joyful and fulfilling as possible. The £10,000 we aim to raise will go towards essential facilities, physiotherapy, occupational health, and other care needs that will vastly improve her quality of life. Knowing Caitlin's family personally, I can't begin to fathom their hardships, but I'm deeply passionate about making whatever difference we can.

In speaking with some of the registered runners, it's clear that the challenge ahead is daunting. Even experienced endurance runners, accustomed to long, continuous races, may find the stop-start nature of this event incredibly taxing. The mental struggle, compounded by sleep deprivation, will undoubtedly push many to their limits. Some runners are taking this challenge quite nonchalantly, which surprises me, given its difficulty.

Personally, I might be better prepared than most. Having run every single day for 1406 days, I'm no stranger to running under challenging conditions. Whether it's adverse weather, inconvenient timings, or travelling through difficult terrains, I've built a certain mental resilience. Yet, even with this experience, I'm not underestimating the 4x4x48 challenge. It’s going to be 48 hours of sheer hell, pushing through phases of euphoria, exhaustion, and everything in between.

I'm curious to see how many of our 42 runners will complete the event. Some speculate that fewer than half will finish, and there are even bets on less than a quarter making it to the end. There will be tears, breakdowns, moments of delirium and every imaginable emotion. Despite this, it’s the determination and commitment to our cause that truly matters.

Ultimately, whether each of us finishes or not, the real success lies in raising the funds. Our goal is £10,000, and if every runner contributes their minimum target of £200, we’ll achieve something extraordinary. Completing the 4x4x48 is a commendable personal milestone, but raising the money for Caitlin is what we’re truly aiming for.

Thank you as always for your incredible support. Your engagement—whether subscribing, sharing, liking, or commenting—helps us reach more people, raise more money, and save more lives. Stay positive, stay happy, and join us on this journey.

See you tomorrow,

Kevin Brittain