Victorian pro MMA fighter Jack Lyons is running 50 marathons in 50 days for charity.
Currently, Jack has ran 40 consecutive marathons since the start of 2023 in efforts to raise money for Blessing Bags, a charity organization which provides aid to the homeless in the Mornington Peninsula. Jack is a local to the greater Mornington area, training out of his local gym XFC Carrum Downs.
The goal to run 50 marathons in 50 days came from an inability to train MMA, and a refusal to sit on the side-lines, Jack said.
‘I knew it was a big challenge, similar to fighting, I always love a big challenge. Since I got injured, I’m the type that can’t sit around and wait.’
When looking at the challenge from a charitable point of view, Blessing Bags was an obvious choice for Jack to partner with.
‘I’ve worked with homeless charities previously. I spoke to [Blessing Bags], they are a local homeless charity. When I run throughout training camps I’ll run often during the night and see homeless people around my area and I thought “I’ve got to do something about it”. It’s always been something I’ve put my aim towards.’
Running 2110 kms does not come at an easy cost however, as Jack explained that as one injury heals, others appear.
‘The last few days have been hard because of the way the bodies been holding up, it’s been hard to sleep.’
‘I’ve got blisters on top of blisters and toenails coming off, tendonitis, shin splints, my knees are swollen. The toes and the shins are quiet painful but I can continue to find a way. Your minds more powerful than your body.’
Jack’s collecting donations through a GoFundMe that the local community has rallied behind, raising nearly $15,000.
‘To be honest I’m in awe that this is possible! I’ve been watching your runs daily and to see the strength you show and the rawness at the beginning you are amazing.’ Reads a donation message from supported Sharon Balas.
‘Such an amazing young man full of self-motivation for a wonderful fundraiser for people in need of a helping hand.’ Reads another, from Tanya Bodin.
Jack says this community support is what pushes him to keep running.
‘The support doesn’t go astray, especially when times get tough. People come run with me and it gives me a fire up my ass to keep going.’
Along with support from the communities, Jack has some corporate assistance to keep him on the move, including support from shoe company Brooks.
‘I’ve been through three [pairs of shoes]. I wear the same shoes and I just burn through the soles on all of them. They recommend 500ks to a pair and by 1600 in you can tell they’ve been worn that’s for sure.’
For his achievement, Jack has been awarded the 2023 Young Citizen of The Year Award from his local council, a sign of support he appreciates helping his efforts.
‘It was nice to be recognised and it helped more people see the charity work I’m doing which is the main thing.’
Jack will run his 50th marathon on February 19th, a date that is on the of the 23-year-old’s mind.
‘I’ve still got 10 days ahead of me, I’m not looking passed those 10 days, but it’s amazing how the mind works. It’s already thinking “what’s next?”
‘Once I’m healed and back in the swing of things I’ll be roaring to get back into that cage, I’ve got unfinished business and still massive things I want to achieve.’
