How I ran a 50k Ultramarathon with Parkinsons: Overcoming Limits in 2025

If you think you can or you think you can't you are right.

Running the 'hardest footrace on earth' the MDS in 2016

Setting Ambitious Goals

As I wrote my goals for 2025, the black pen glided over the diary page on January 1st. "Run a 50k ultramarathon."

For context, I am 62 years old. I have two replacement hips and I live with Parkinson's disease.

But here’s the twist: I have completed two ultramarathons before. I tackled the Race to the Stones in 2015 and the Marathon des Sables, which is allegedly the toughest footrace on earth, in 2016.

In 2025, I decided to push myself even further. I wanted to inspire others living with Parkinson's.

The Challenge Ahead

My 2025 was already shaping up to be a busy year. Alongside my running goal, I aimed to complete 12 public speaking engagements. This commitment consumed much of my time and energy.

As August rolled around, I realised I had only four months left to train for my 50k. I jumped back onto the Race to the Stones website. There it was—Kerry’s 16-week 50k training plan. It looked thorough and very easy to navigate. I was in!

I quit booze and chocolate 100% and committed to Kerry’s plan. Unbeknownst to her, I followed it religiously. I announced my goal to friends and family for accountability, which works well for me. I also searched for a race with lengthy cutoff times, as I tend to run slowly.

Finding My Path

The 16-week training plan took me to December, but I couldn’t find a race during that time. No problem, I thought. I’ll run 50k locally. Obstacle removed!

I ran. I rested. I ran some more. I did what the programme told me, and I grew stronger. My legs and respiratory system became more robust. By December, I was ready.

My planned day was a Saturday, but the weather forecast predicted biblical rains. Wednesday was the only dry day, so I shifted my plan. On Wednesday, December 3rd, I drove to a local park, three days ahead of schedule, and set out to run 50 kilometres, which is about 31.06 miles.

The Big Day

If you’ve run a marathon, just think about how you felt at the end. Now imagine running another five miles.

I parked up and set off, with my car as an aid station. It was stocked with food, hydration, clean running kit, and spare shoes, just in case. I had run 35k on my training schedule, and this system worked brilliantly. Psychologically, I felt prepared.

I trained using everything I would need: hydration with Nuun isotonic tablets, food with Clif bars and jellies, and the same kit. I even added tape for my nipples, as the 35k had caused some chafing.

The weather was dry and cool—perfect for running. However, one thing went wrong: I accidentally locked my car key, which had a failing battery, and my phone inside the car.

But rather than panicking, I stayed calm. My watch recorded my mileage, and I found a guy fishing in the park’s lake. He kindly let me use his phone to call my wife, even though he wouldn’t let me hold it. I must have looked dodgy!

She didn’t answer, so I left a message asking her to meet me at the car at 10:30 AM. We met up with the spare key, and normal service resumed.

Overcoming Obstacles

The reason I share this story is to highlight that you can prepare as much as possible for life’s adventures, but things can still go wrong. It’s how you handle the obstacles that truly matters. Control the controllable.

I ran. And I ran. I loved every minute.

The blend of psychological and physical pressure, especially while managing my Parkinson's, stretched me to my limits. But I did it.

There was no crowd, no fanfare, and no medal. Yet, I felt immense pride in what I had achieved—me and Coach Kerry.

Reflecting on the Journey

After the dust settled, I decided to find Kerry and share my story. I reached out, and here we are.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Kerry and her programme. I literally couldn’t have done it without you. To anyone reading this and contemplating running any distance: if you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.

But like everything in life, get a mentor or a coach. They can help you achieve what might seem impossible and change your life for good.

So, what’s next for me? I’m not sure yet, but I know I’ll keep pushing my limits. After all, life is an adventure, and I’m here for the ride!

Jeff is the CEO of Bigmoose charity - https://bigmoosecharity.co

---wix---