Athlete runs marathon in all 50 states to break record, raise funds for cancer research

From Honolulu, Hawai’i to the Big Apple, endurance athlete William Goodge (UK) has travelled across America on his own two feet, in a massive race to complete a marathon in all 50 states.

Alongside ocean views and city streets, the runner traversed a total of 1,310 mi (2,108 km) in just 22 days – meeting new friends along the way, accomplishing a Guinness World Records title for his efforts, and most importantly raising funds for cancer research.

William lost his mother, Amanda, to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018, and since her passing he has steadily completed these long-distance running challenges, which he uses to raise awareness and funds for cancer facilities in her memory.

And this 1 November, he crossed the finish line of his most audacious attempt yet – completing the title for the fastest time to run a marathon distance in all 50 US states. His total race time was 22 days 17 hr 16 min 34 sec, from his start point in Honolulu on 9 October to his end point at the NYC Marathon last Sunday.

The American company Goodwin also played a pivotal role in William’s record win, as they provided logistical and operational support for the attempt, such as mapping and private transportation.

William is no stranger to these exhausting ultradistance feats, as he started his marathon journey on the first Christmas after his mum died. On his website, he described the pain he felt after losing her to cancer, and explained that running was his escape – eventually realizing that he could use his skills to prevent others from feeling his same agony by fundraising for Stand Up To Cancer.

“I can’t do anything to get my mum back, but I can use her memory to show she was an incredibly strong and loving woman…” he said. “What I can also do is continue to fight against cancer and raise as much vital funding as possible, in the hope that some day soon no one else will have to go through the experience me and my family have. 

“Cancer affects us all, whether we get it or someone we love does.”

With a popular online presence, William shares footage from his exploits on his social media, garnering more attention and contributions for the causes that he supports. 

His first major challenge was in 2019, when he ran the length of the UK by crossing 875 mi (1,408 km) in just 16 days.

Read more stories about record-breaking runners in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section!

That said, this recent trip – titled Goodwin Generated: Mission America – was trickier to organize, as it required William to fly in-and-out of many different American states within less than a month.

With some help from Goodwin, they were able to arrange a route that quickly knocked out Hawai’i and Alaska, before hitting the Western states, darting into Middle America, down to the South, and back up through the East Coast.

The only “produced race” that William ran was the NYC Marathon, and all other marathons were completed with proper documentation alongside his predetermined routes, where any guest could drop in and run alongside him for the first 3.11 mi (5 km).

And during his trek, William and Goodwin raised over $60,000 (£45,730) for the cancer cause, providing lifesaving support to those impacted by the disease.

As such, when William crossed the finish line in NYC, he did so with tons of support throughout the country – while also attracting some well-deserved media attention.

The renowned national news programme CBS Mornings invited him to appear on their show, where he was interviewed by anchors Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Norah O’Donnell. 

After the runner got the chance to discuss the physical demands of his attempt and the personal motivation behind it, Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric stepped out on to the stage to present him with his official record certificate.

“Will’s story about losing his mom to cancer was truly touching, and hopefully many lives are affected by his GWR achievement,” said Michael.

So what’s next for this record-breaking runner? Only time will tell – but as he continues to race to find the cancer cure, we’re sure that he’s making his mother proud.

Congratulations, William – you are Officially Amazing!