Burnham-On-Sea charity runner Rob Jones is gearing up for this Sunday’s Great Bristol Run – just three weeks after completing his second ultramarathon – as he continues a packed year of fundraising for Somewhere House Somerset.
Rob is raising money to support the charity’s bereavement counselling service, which provides one‑to‑one support for people struggling to access or afford private therapy. He said he hopes his efforts will help ensure no one is left without support at one of the most difficult moments in life.
Fresh from completing a gruelling 31‑mile ultramarathon on 19th April – running from Bath to Bristol and back again – Rob says he is aiming for another personal best this weekend, although he admits his legs “may still be feeling the ultra”.
He completed the 50km challenge in 4hrs 32mins, placing 11th out of 62 runners.
“It was hot on the course but I’m super proud,” he said. “That’s part one of 2026 racing done.”
Rob’s race calendar for the coming months is packed. After Sunday’s half marathon in Bristol, he will take on the Nailsea 10km in June, followed by the Burnham Half Marathon in September. All three events, he says, will be “all‑out personal best attempts”.
He explained that training for an ultra has meant six months of early starts, long miles, strength work and careful diet – all while managing an autoimmune condition diagnosed last year. Far from slowing him down, he says the diagnosis has motivated him to use fitness as a way to stay strong and healthy.
Rob also reflected on last year’s London Marathon, which he ran just a month after receiving his diagnosis. He described it as an unforgettable day, finishing in a lifetime best of 3hrs 48mins despite battling heat exhaustion late in the race.
“These challenges are my definition of fun and a form of therapy,” he said. “But alongside the personal side of this, I want to raise money so anyone who needs counselling can access it, regardless of their financial situation.”
Rob is encouraging local people to support his fundraising or cheer him on at the Great Bristol Run this Sunday, where around 20,000 runners are expected to take part. He will also be running the Bath Two Tunnels 10km later this year – with his two‑year‑old joining him in a running buggy – before returning home for the Burnham Half Marathon in September.
“All of these races are for the same cause,” he said. “If this story strikes a chord, please support it. Every penny goes directly to helping someone who needs it.”
Click here to see the fundraising page
