Ο Άγγλος που γκρέμισε όλα τα ρεκόρ στον Μαραθώνιο της Αθήνας (pic)

Στον Αυθεντικό Μαραθώνιο της Αθήνας ο 30χρονος Αγγλος Νικ Μπάτερ έγραψε ξεχωριστή Ιστορία, καταφέρνοντας κάτι που ποτέ μέχρι τώρα δεν είχε πετύχει κάποιος.

O Mπάτερ  έτρεξε Μαραθώνιο στο μοναδικό  κράτος που του έλειπε για να συπληρώσει την συμμετοχή του σε Μαραθώνιους… 196 χωρών! Και όλα αυτά, όπως αναφέρει  η«Gazzetta Dello Sport», σε 674 ημέρες, λιγότερο από δύο χρόνια.

Το έκανε, προκειμένου να συγκεντρωθούν χρήματα για να χρηματοδοτήσει την έρευνα κατά του καρκίνου του προστάτη, φτάνοντας πάνω από 75.000 ευρώ.

Όμως ήταν ένας αγώνας που αγάπησε από μικρός, αφού έτρεξε τον πρώτο του Μαραθώνιο σε ηλικία 11 ετών και λίγα χρόνια αργότερα, αποφάσισε να αφήσει μια σίγουρη δουλειά στην τράπεζα για να αφιερώσει τον εαυτό του αποκλειστικά στο νέο του σκοπό. Συνολικά, έχει ολοκληρώσει 592 Μαραθωνίους. Και δεν έχει καμία πρόθεση να σταματήσει: «Τώρα θα ξεκουρασθώ λίγες ημέρες, αλλά έπειτα θέλω να επιστρέψω στο τρέξιμο, είναι ο κόσμος μου».

Η ιδέα, όπως λέει, του ήρθε καθώς έτρεξε στην έρημο της Σαχάρας μετά από συνάντηση με τον Κέβιν Γουέμπερ, έναν άνθρωπο που είχε διαγνωστεί με καρκίνο του προστάτη. Τον συνάντησε τον ενέπνευσε και αφού επιβεβαίωσε ότι κανείς δεν είχε τρέξει ποτέ έναν Μαραθώνιο σε καθε ένα από 196 κράτη του κόσμου, άρχισε την πρόκληση. Και την κατέκτησε.

«Δεν είχα την ελάχιστη ιδέα – έγραψε στο Instagram – για το πώς αυτή η εμπειρία θα αλλάξει την ζωή μου και την προοπτική του κόσμου γύρω μου. Εξετάστε τη δυνατότητα μιας αλλαγής στη ζωή. Στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις πρόκειται για κάτι καλύτερο. Να είστε γενναίοι, να αποδεχτείτε κάποιες αποτυχίες, να συνεχίζετε πάντα και να αρπάζετε τα όνειρά σας με τα δύο χέρια, μην τα αφήνετε ποτέ να φύγουν. Για τον Κέβιν και όλους εκείνους τους ανθρώπους που πεθαίνουν πολύ σύντομα, εκτιμήστε τις ημέρες σας. Θα νιώσετε αναγεννημένοι»….

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YESSS – MISSION COMPLETE – 🤩🥳 — I underestimated more or less everything about this expedition. But one thing stands out. I had no idea how much this challenge would change my life, and my perspective of the world around me. Wow – the world is amazing. Please consider a change in your life. It’s very often for the best. The world is unfathomably special and we are living in an extraordinary time. Be brave, accept some failings, stride out into the day and grab your dreams with both hands and don’t let go. For Kevin’s legacy and all those who die too soon, please value today. You’ll feel reborn I promise. You have 86,400 seconds today start your adventure now – even if it’s just a glint of an idea. — When I sat my parents down in front of the fire at home on a snowy December day 4 years ago – I had no clue if this was possible – but I believed, and I dared, and now I’ve conquered. I feel proud for myself and the team and all of you that have donated. Thank you. — Reminder SPEAKING TOUR – I’m touring the UK and Europe telling my story in schools, business and event spaces. For all ages! I hope to inspire other people to live free, follow their dreams, and learn from the brilliant world we have at our feet. Much of the negative and evil acts that happen here on earth derive from the lack of understanding, respect and education of how other people live. Travel and running has enabled me to see a new world view. And I love it even more. If you want to hear me talk about the stories of the past 674 days, plus view a preview of the documentary, and browse the scrap books of luggage tags, passports, and souvenirs please contact me on nick@nickbutter.co.uk. I’m so excited to share my journey and hopefully inspire the next adventure. — This journey is for my mate Kev is has terminal prostate cancer. He was given as little as two years to live. This expedition is to raise awareness and cash for @prostatecanceruk to help stop other men dying. — PLEASE DONATE – Link in bio. Just £1 helps so much. — #runningtheworld196 #runningtheworld #runtheworld #nickbutter #running #run #runner #travel #adventure #marathonguy #speaker #motivationalspeaker #prostatecanceruk

A post shared by Nick Butter 🏃🏼 (@nickbutterrun) on Nov 12, 2019 at 1:22am PST

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Day 675 – THE FINISH LINE 🏁 🌍🇬🇷🙏🙈🏃‍♂️ — How it feels to cross the line – the speaking tour next year – and how it nearly didn’t happen. — I don’t mind admitting I had a cry today 😢 – just quietly but a cry none the less. I looked out over the ancient city here in Athens and pondered all the stories, the people, the fear, the pain, the suffering, and the sacrifice over these last 675 days – I guess the tears were for the overwhelming feeling of relief more than anything, but also elation for actually making this happen, sadness that it’s over and pride in myself and the team. “I’ve done it” I said to myself. I’ve bloody done it. — There have been countless times when we thought it might not happen. Just 4 weeks ago I had a terrible call from my dad explaining the reality that lay ahead. My dad has been responsible for booking every flight and ensuring the overall plan to reach every country in time. This is a task I can’t even imagine taking on. Dad you’re a legend. — Dad called me and said “we have bad news I’m afraid – Iran have refused your visa, it’s now 95% likely that we won’t hit our finish date, if at all. I’m sorry”… he went on to say “Yemen have also refused the visa, someone has been shot and killed on the road you’ll be driving down in the next few days to gain access to Syria, and we have just 9 hours of wriggle room to make this work. You have 16 countries to go, 4 a week for 4 weeks, and even if we had this access to these countries sorted, the chances of something going wrong are high. I’m sorry son, I don’t know what to say, it really isn’t looking great.”. — The full story of how this was resolved and my finish date made possible is HUGE – No more space on this post. The book is out in April / May 2020 – If you want a copy early please email nick@nickbutter.co.uk — Similarly, if you’d like to hear all the tales of this epic adventure please contact nick@nickbutter.co.uk 🌍 I’ll be visiting 100+ schools around the UK and Europe and 100+ other venues. Book your school, place of work or venue now. — #runningtheworld196 #runningtheworld #runtheworld #nickbutter #running #run #runner #travel #adventure #marathonguy #prostatecanceruk

A post shared by Nick Butter 🏃🏼 (@nickbutterrun) on Nov 12, 2019 at 12:33am PST

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Day 674 – Marathon 196 of 196! Greece 🇬🇷 Athens — I did it. I actually did it. Ha 🙈🏁🏃‍♂️😛🗺Against all odds. I ran a marathon in every country in the world 🌎 Ha, I can’t believe it. A new world first and a new world record and big relief. Please donate if you can. Link in my bio! — I crossed my two year finish line today hand in hand with my brilliant friends – AND KEVIN WEBBER! As you know, Kev was my inspiration behind this journey, and he promised me he would stay alive to be here at the finish – I’m so pleased we could share today celebrating life, and this wonderful world we live in. Thanks to Kevin who changed my life for the better – I just only wish I could stop him dying from Prostate Cancer. Sadly not. We can stop other men dying though. Donate now. — I got by with a little help from my friends as the saying goes. In reality I was a very very small runner man in one giant network of wonderfully selfless, smart and determined people. — Thank you so much to all of the brilliant team, supporters, Prostate Cancer UK, family, friends, donors, random strangers, sponsors, airlines, security firms, visa offices, the UN, the British embassy, and of course YOU! A big thanks to @dosportlive who powered me around the world with their energy. — The story is not over yet my friends. Over the coming days I’ll tell you my big plans for wants next. 2020 is all about sharing the story in a huge UK and European speaking tour. If you would like me to speak at your SCHOOL or if you can help organise a talk at a VENUE near you please email nick@nickbutter.co.uk. If you want me to come and speak at your place of work or business please also get in touch. I have so much to share. — I’ll be showcasing my souvenirs from every corner of the world, all the photography, a preview of the documentary, and my photo book. The written account of this journey will be published by Penguin publishers in April/May ish. 👌 — Run far, run free, and do yourself proud. Thank you for all the support friends. — #runningtheworld196 #runningtheworld #traveller #runnerguy #nickbutter #inspiration #running #run #runner #travel #adventure #guy #globertrotter #hot #worldtravel #love

A post shared by Nick Butter 🏃🏼 (@nickbutterrun) on Nov 10, 2019 at 10:50pm PST

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NEW WORLD FIRST in T-10 HOURS!!! 🤪 — The first person to run 🏃‍♂️ a marathon in every country 🗺 in the world 🌍 — 3 marathons and 3 new countries a week, every week, for the past 96 weeks. Boy I’m tired. — With the finish line approaching here’s a reminder of what it’s all about, how you can get involved and what next. — 196 COUNTRIES 🗺 196 MARATHONS 🏃‍♂️ 455 FLIGHTS ✈️ 120 VISA 🎟 100% CARBON OFFEET 👌 10 PASSPORTS 🌎 19 TEAM MEMBERS ⭐️ 1 DOG BITE 🐕 2 MUGGINGS 💰 1 BROKEN ELBOW 😠 9 FOOD POISONINGS 🤮 1 KIDNEY INFECTION 😩 15 WAR ZONES ⚠️ 320 SOUVENIRS 🤪 VEEY LITTLE SLEEP 💤 — Only £80,000 raised – please donate just £1! Help me reach my £250,000 target. Link in my bio. Thank you. — WHY: To raise £250,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. My very good friend Kev is dying. He was given as little as 2 years to live. This is for him and all the 11,000+ men who die from this cancer every year in the UK alone. Donate for me, for Kev, and for all the other families suffering. Use the link in my bio. Please share with all your friends. — WHAT NEXT – I’m touring 100+ SCHOOLS and THEATRES in 2020 to share my story. I hope to inspire young people to get out and explore the world. It’s your enormous privilege to follow you dreams. I‘ll speak about the running, the travel, all the crazy stories and importantly the lessons I’ve learnt along the way. I’ll also bring along a mountains of photos, videos, and meaningful souvenirs to ignite the imagination of the younger kids. Plus I’ll share a 10 minute preview of the documentary. For THEATRES: I’m also touring the UK, visiting cinemas, lecture halls, books shops, event spaves and more. If you want me to speak I’m a venue near you, or to help organise an event please get in touch on email. — To book your school or theatre please email nick@nickbutter.co.uk — #runningtheworld196 #runningtheworld #traveller #runnerguy #nickbutter #inspiration #running #run #runner #travel #adventure #guy #globertrotter #hot #worldtravel #whoruntheworld #runtheworld #marathonman #worldrecord #guinnessworldrecord #marathonguy #prostatecancer #prostatecanceruk #justgiving #nickbutterrun #marathon #motivationalspeaker #dosportlive

A post shared by Nick Butter 🏃🏼 (@nickbutterrun) on Nov 9, 2019 at 3:12pm PST

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Day 673 – Greece 🇬🇷 Athens — The FINAL 24 HOURS 🤪 before I complete my dream of running a marathon in every country in the world. 🏁🌎😍🙈🏃‍♂️✅ — I’ve learnt that life is so unfathomably precious and we never know when our numbers up. Simple as that. For me I’m determined to spend every day cramming my world full of energy, love, and adventure. We are all so tremendously fortunate, privileged and free to fulfil our dreams – and yet many of us take our dreams to our graves. We are afraid to act on them, we worry, we make excuses and we talk ourselves out of believing we can achieve. — Please dare to do what you love. Be set free. You only get one shot. Dream big, plan well, and get out there and do something you love. — A marathon in every country in the world was the dream, and it had never even been attempted. It took 2 years to plan, another 2 years to complete and tomorrow I WILL succeed. I am so lucky. Thank you all for the brilliant support. — Don’t forget that this journey is about raising awareness and money to fight Prostate Cancer. Please donate to Prostate Cancer UK NOW. Link in my bio. This cancer is killing over 11,000 men every year including my great friend and inspiration Kev. — These last 673 days have been tough – Deadly crossings of the Congolese river, nasty dog attacks and a subsistence bite, horrendous tooth infections, being hit by a car, a broken elbow, being locked up, surviving 9 rounds of food poisoning and 4 marathons with a kidney infection, while facing temperatures of -25C to +60C, in countries like North Korea, Yemen, Syria, Iran and … you get the idea. — If you want to hear about these tales of life on the road I’m visiting SCHOOLS and THEATRES all over the UK and Europe in 2020. If you want to register your school or help organise an event at a venue you know – please EMAIL nick@nickbutter.co.uk. — #runningtheworld196 #runningtheworld #traveller #runnerguy #nickbutter #inspiration #running #run #runner #travel #adventure #guy #globertrotter #hot #worldtravel #whoruntheworld #runtheworld #marathonman #worldrecord #guinnessworldrecord #marathonguy #prostatecancer #prostatecanceruk #speaker #nickbutterrun #marathon

A post shared by Nick Butter 🏃🏼 (@nickbutterrun) on Nov 9, 2019 at 2:38pm PST

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Day 670 – Cape Verde 🇨🇻 Praia to Israel 🇮🇱 Jerusalem — Heading to the penultimate country 🤪🤩🙏😍🇮🇱 — I have been so fortunate to travel and be involved in sport from such a young age. Like most people that are lucky enough to live in the confines of ‘the western world’ though, the concepts of qualifications and money drew me briefly away from what i enjoyed. These were such a heavy focus in early teens right through to my 20’s. I now feel like i have balanced the scales a little and I’m ready to approach the rest of my days focusing less and less on money, qualifications, and flashy material (and totally pointless class driven ideals) to simply enjoy every day valuing what i have, and ideally do some good too. More on that later. — From mini adventures to the huge expeditions I’ve got planned in the coming months and years, this 674 day journey has been the launch pad to a whole new world. I really feel like I’ve been reborn into a new dimension with bucket loads of context and perspective to frame my decisions in a more grateful way. I now feel like i am beginning to understand the extreme privilege we all have. I only hope this feeling envelops my mind and behaviour to the point i wake up smiling every day, in the knowledge I’m one lucky person. — The average person in the UK lives for 29,747 days, (around 80 years), as of today I have used 11,022. If I’m very lucky, and so so many people aren’t, I’ll live to the average age and ideally longer. If this works out, I’ll have another 18,725 days to roam free in the mountains, learn, travel, and follow my dreams. Of my 11,022 days on the planet, only 674 of them have been this remarkable journey. Think what you could achieve with your bank account of days. — I’d argue and indeed talk about in my speaking tour, that most of us put off our dreams, we make excuses, and many of us take them to our death bed. For me this is the ultimate tragedy. Please value your life, do yourself proud, be bold, be brave and enjoy today. Tomorrow is only ever a maybe. — #runningtheworld196 #runningtheworld #traveller #runnerguy #nickbutter #inspiration #running #run #runner #travel #adventure

A post shared by Nick Butter 🏃🏼 (@nickbutterrun) on Nov 7, 2019 at 2:02am PST