Run The Nations Returns for 2025 – ‘One Final Run’ Across the UK
Cure Leukaemia is proud to announce the return of Run The Nations this September for one final, monumental challenge during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
Chief Executive James McLaughlin is lacing up his trainers once more for one final run, taking on his toughest test yet—running over 10 marathons in 14 days for a total of 270 miles with no rest days, running through 29 blood cancer centres across the UK where the charity supports through clinical trials networks, with new locations for Run The Nations 2025 including Worcester, Blackpool and Stoke.
Starting from Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Wednesday 10th September, James will run daily distances ranging from 14 to 27 miles, visiting key cities including Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow, before finishing at Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesday 23rd September.
James will begin and end his challenge with a 27-mile run, symbolising a poignant reminder that every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
With patients very close to his heart, each step of the challenge will spotlight the incredible work being done by Cure Leukaemia-funded Research Nurses who provide pioneering and potentially life-saving treatments to patients in the UK, like Sara Carter who was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in March 2025.
“The importance of blood cancer research and clinical trials bring hope. They give patients like me the chance to believe in a future where no one has to suffer, where better treatments are available and ultimately, where a cure exists.”
“This is without doubt, going to be the toughest challenge, as the miles are going up each year and I am getting older! ,” said James “But it’s nothing compared to what blood cancer patients go through and as its my final run the nations it would be brilliant if we could get the biggest turnout of runners and reach the highest fundraising total.
Since launching in lockdown in 2020, Run The Nations has seen James run over 692 miles and raise more than £200,000 for the fight against blood cancer.
This year’s final edition aims to raise £150,000 as part of the charity’s Move The Nations campaign, encouraging people across the globe to get moving—whether it’s by running, walking, cycling, or creating their own unique challenge.
“Run The Nations has grown year after year, and it’s been incredible to see the support from, and has hopefully inspired people to get moving this September. As Run The Nations evolves into Move The Nations, I hope everyone gets involved in their own way — watch this space, there’s so much more to come.”
How to Get Involved:
- Join James on any stage of the run—whether for the full stage or part of the stage
- Be a shirt and stage sponsor for one or more of the 14 days
- Fundraise and spread awareness throughout September
- Start thinking about how you can start moving this September
For more details and to register your interest, head to the Run The Nations page on the Cure Leukaemia website.
Check out the Cure Leukaemia RIA Member profile here .