Record breaker crosses Iceland in 'best-ever time'

A record breaker believes he has secured the world record for the fastest crossing of Iceland by foot.

It is the second time Jack Pitcher, 30, has broken a record, after he beat the best British time for running 2,684 miles (4,320km) across Australia in December 2024.

Pitcher, from Bracknell, Berkshire, was supported by a three-man team as he sought to raise money for the SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and complete his latest challenge.

He used Iceland’s Route 1 from 29 June before finishing on Monday afternoon, completing the 460-mile (740km) challenge in seven days, nine hours and four minutes.

Facing “four seasons in a day”, he said the hilly, challenging terrain made it more difficult than his Australian adventure.

Injuries, including painful chafing, nearly halted the challenge in the first few days but Pitcher battled through despite him being “riddled” with issues.

He said he wanted to back the armed forces charity after a friend received support from it and made him realise the importance of the charity’s work.

Pitcher, a motivational speaker, said he also wanted to prove to people that they can “grind” through and “have an adventurous life”, even if they have already completed mammoth challenges before.

After the party fell behind on the required time, Pitcher travelled about 88 miles (140km) in the last day.

He will now potentially take a couple of months off running – during which he will “enjoy my calories and rest” – before possibly coming up with another adventure later.

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Related internet links

• SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity