A Burnham-On-Sea runner is preparing to take on a gruelling 31‑mile ultramarathon next month to raise funds for local charity Somewhere House Somerset.
Rob Jones will run from Bath to Bristol and back again on April 19th, covering a distance slightly over 31 miles — the equivalent of a full marathon plus an extra five miles.
The challenge is part of his fundraising efforts to support counselling for people in Burnham-On-Sea who have experienced bereavement.
Rob says the cause is deeply personal and believes access to professional support should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
“The end of a life happens to us all, but often it happens unexpectedly and too soon,” he says. “Somewhere House Somerset provides a safe space for people to grieve with the support of trained professionals. It’s a cause that will resonate with so many.”
The Ultramarathon is the first of several major events Rob will take on this year for the charity. Just three weeks later, he will compete in The Great Bristol Run, followed by the Nailsea 10km in June, and later the Burnham Half Marathon.
Rob has spent six months training for the Ultra, balancing early‑morning runs, strength work and long‑distance sessions alongside managing an autoimmune condition diagnosed last year. Far from slowing him down, he says the diagnosis motivated him to push harder.
Just one month after receiving the diagnosis, Rob completed the London Marathon, finishing in a personal best time of 3 hours 48 minutes.
“It was the most incredible day,” he said. “Seeing my family at mile 20 when I was struggling is something I’ll never forget.”
Rob’s upcoming Ultra will follow the disused railway line between Bath and Bristol Temple Meads before returning to Green Park in Bath, where the run will start and finish.
He is encouraging local people to support the cause — or even cheer him on along the route.
“All money raised will go directly towards providing counselling for people in Burnham-On-Sea affected by bereavement,” he said. “If this strikes a chord, please do support it. Every penny helps.”
Rob’s fundraising page can be found here.
