James Sutherland Completes Remarkable 100.4-Mile Charity Run in Support of the Epilepsy Society

Dortech Group’s Managing Director, James Sutherland, completed an extraordinary endurance challenge, running 100.4 miles in 17 hours and 38 minutes to raise awareness and funds for the Epilepsy Society.

What began as a running challenge became something far more emotional: a story of endurance, family, friendship, community and the kind of support that stays with you for life.

The Night That Became a Lifetime Memory

I don’t really know where to start. The day came and went so quickly, but at the same time it felt like a lifetime. I set out to run 100 miles and managed to do it, but what I experienced along the way was so much more than a physical challenge.

Between around 9:30pm and 3:30am, I was alone on the canal, running backwards and forwards in the cold and dark, with only my thoughts for company. It was quiet, isolating and overwhelming. Then, without me asking or expecting anything, my Dad turned up at 11pm and stood in one place through the night until sunrise, just making sure I was okay. I will never be able to properly explain what that meant to me.

As the night went on, more people appeared. Clare came at 3am and refused to leave until she knew I was safe. Then around 3:30am, over 40 miles in, I saw lights ahead and realised it was Karola Januchowska and Wojciech Lukasik. I had prepared to do this alone because I didn’t want to trouble anyone, but people heard what I was doing and came anyway.

At around 80 miles, I genuinely thought it was over. My quads were gone, I was in a dark place physically and mentally, and I was so close to stopping. Then Steve Prendegrass, Richard Jones and Kevin Erskine stepped in. They broke everything down, bridge by bridge, and introduced a 2 minutes on, 1 minute off run-walk strategy. They did not just support me. They carried me when I had nothing left.

At 95 miles, when I was completely empty, our very own Leeds Warrior, Josh Warrington, joined me. He pushed me, encouraged me, and somehow helped me find something I didn’t know I had left. Those final miles will stay with me forever.

Performance & Statistics

The data behind the run highlights just how demanding this challenge was. James recorded 100.4 miles, maintained an average heart rate of 123 bpm, and burned approximately 11,528 calories, including over 10,000 active calories. Estimated sweat loss was around 14 litres.

Running dynamics recorded an average cadence of 153 steps per minute, a stride length of 1 metre, and over 1,100 feet of elevation gain.

Combined Event Mileage

Although James completed the headline 100.04-mile challenge, the event became much bigger than one individual run. Friends, colleagues and supporters also pushed themselves, clocking up a combined total of 293.03 miles across the event.

• James Sutherland: 100.04 miles
• Liam Hancock: 34.4 miles
• Marc Binns: 30.04 miles
• Kevin Erskin: 26.3 miles
• Steve Prendegrass: 24.5 miles
• Leonie Sutherland: 22 miles
• James McDermott: 20 miles
• Wojciech Lukasik: 15.75 miles
• Karolina Januchowska : 15 miles
• Josh Warrington: 5 miles

A True Team Effort

Behind the scenes, the support team played a vital role throughout the challenge. From maintaining pace and morale to managing nutrition, logistics and encouragement across the route, their collective effort ensured James could continue when the distance became increasingly difficult.

Friends, family, colleagues and supporters came out throughout the day. Seeing familiar faces like Liam Hancock and Marc Binns, hearing about other participants running distances they had never achieved before, and seeing people stand by the canal simply to cheer created something that felt bigger than one person running.

A huge thank you goes to everyone at Dortech, especially Kimy Lindsay, who seemed to be there at every opportunity cheering James on. To those not named individually, including James’s little sister Leonie Sutherland, Laura Capewell and Andy Lindley, who travelled a long way to support, please know how deeply appreciated that support was.

The Journey in Pictures

The Run Is Complete — The Mission Continues

I set out to run 100 miles, but what I have taken away is something far more emotional than I expected. The love, support and encouragement has been overwhelming. This may be the last time I ever attempt something like this, but the experience will stay with me for the rest of my life.

This challenge was completed in aid of the Epilepsy Society. Donations remain open, and every contribution helps support the vital work they do.

Donate via JustGiving

https://www.justgiving.com/page/epilepsy-society-dortech-direct