A dedicated Wales rugby fan has embarked on a unique fitness challenge that involves running a mile for every point the Welsh team loses by in the Six Nations tournament. Rhodri Williams, who resides in Bristol, initiated this pledge on social media ahead of the first game. With no set limit, Williams could end up running significant distances if Wales end up losing by a large margin. Unfortunately, the challenge kicked off on a somber note as Wales suffered a crushing defeat of 43-0 against France in their opening match, marking their first-ever scoreless game in Six Nations history. This result meant that Williams had to endure running a staggering 43-mile ultra-marathon on a single Sunday.
The arduous run, which spanned 10 hours and 15 minutes, saw Williams fueled by pasta, jacket potatoes, and cereal bars along the way. His route took him from Bristol to Bath and back, with his wife joining him at mile 35 for a brief walk to recharge his energy levels. The inspiration behind this unique challenge stemmed from Williams finding watching Wales games to be increasingly disheartening, and he wanted to inject some fun and camaraderie among his friends. The challenge quickly gained traction on social media and even garnered a mention on BBC’s Rugby Special programme hosted by Ugo Monye.
As the Six Nations tournament progresses, Williams aims to inject more creativity and diversity into the challenge, considering options beyond straightforward running. For instance, if Wales were to lose to Italy by 26 points, Williams contemplates completing a mile each hour for 26 consecutive hours, making the challenge about endurance and staying awake. Despite the daunting prospect of potentially having to cover even longer distances, Williams remains steadfast in his commitment to the challenge and looks forward to exploring different ways to make it engaging.
Reflecting on the possibility of Wales facing more significant defeats in upcoming matches, Williams entertains the idea of varying the challenge to maintain motivation and interest. While the fitness enthusiast acknowledges his limits, particularly in sustaining long hours of running, he remains open to new possibilities and is prepared to adapt the challenge as needed. Williams, whose family roots trace back to Wales, views this initiative as a personal endeavour that allows him to dedicate time to a passion for running amidst a busy schedule as a freelance content creator.
Since sharing his challenge on social media, Williams has garnered significant attention and support, with his video documenting the journey accumulating nearly one million views on Instagram. Notably, rugby star Cheslin Kolbe has even become a follower, providing additional motivation for Williams to persevere through the demanding runs. Despite concerns about unintentionally causing offence to Wales players through his challenge, Williams emphasises that his endeavour is purely a lighthearted way to blend his love for running with the excitement of rugby matches.
Looking ahead, Williams hopes for Wales’ success on the field so that he may not have to undertake excessively long running sessions. Ultimately, the true victory for him lies in the Welsh team’s triumphs, sparing him from having to traverse extensive distances. This unique journey is a testament to Williams’ passion for running, his Welsh heritage, and his innovative approach to combining fitness with his love for rugby. As the Six Nations tournament unfolds, followers eagerly anticipate the twists and turns that Williams’ challenge will take, underscoring the unifying power of sports and personal challenges.