Four days. One island. A solo run from coast to coast.
When South London runner Leon Lewis set out to cross Jamaica on foot, it wasn’t for medals or fanfare. It was about returning endurance to its essence. Raw, uncompromising, and human.
345km. East to west. Morant Point to Negril.
This was Project Run Jamaica, a challenge dreamt up and delivered by Leon, backed by his core crew: René, Paynee and Timo. From the outset, it was never going to be easy. But that was the point.
Armed with nothing but determination, grit, and kit built to go the distance—the team set out to take on the entire width of the island.
The run began strong. Spirits were high. But Jamaica doesn’t ease you in, the heat was relentless and the humidity hit like a wall. Pacing was off. Fuelling fell short. The road handed Leon his first reality check. He learned fast.
A later start. Smarter fuelling. Better rhythm. Day two brought the steepest climbs of the journey—punishing ascents that drained legs and lungs. But Leon kept moving. He found flow. The lessons of Day 1 paid off.
A solid start unraveled fast. Blisters set in hard by the halfway mark. With every step, pain escalated. He crossed into Montego Bay hours later than planned, but he didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop.
One hour of sleep. That’s all. At dawn, they pushed on. The final stretch was brutal. Feet shredded. Legs shot. Every step a decision to continue. The last 30km felt endless—but that was the finish line calling. And Leon answered.
“This was by far the hardest challenge I’ve ever taken on. I was well and truly humbled by the heat and humidity. I learned a lot - not only about multiple-day ultra running, but also about myself.” — Leon Lewis
This wasn’t just a run. It was a statement. A test of limits. A tribute to resilience. And through it all, our gear held up. Every kilometre, every downpour, every hour in the heat.
Next stop? The Scottish Highlands.
Whatever terrain comes next, Leon’s ready.
So are we.
Thank you to Leon for chatting with us about this amazing achievement!
Photographer: Timothy Eliot Spur
Videographer: Bullxt Media
