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Athlete, Speaker, Author, Founder.
Running
The World
A marathon in every country in the world.
3 countries per week, every week, for 94 weeks, give or take.
Nick Butter made history by becoming the first person to run a marathon in every country on Earth. Running The World chronicles this world record-breaking adventure, showcasing Nick’s incredible journey as he completed 196 marathons across 196 countries. Nick’s two-year odyssey took him across diverse landscapes—from capital cities to deserts, volcanic islands to battlefields. Along the way, he encountered extraordinary people, from local runners to curious children, who joined him in his quest.
Nick’s journey wasn’t without its challenges: he dodged bullets on multiple occasions, survived substantial viscous attack by wild dogs, and ran around an erupting volcano in Guatemala. Food poisonings, infection, peeing blood and even a heart attacks. Through it all, he embraced the kindness of strangers, immersing himself in the cultures and customs of each country he visited. Running The World was his first world record. An adventure that set Nick on a trajectory that has ratcheted to an astounding 11 world records.
The book captures the essence of perseverance, adventure, and a celebration of the world’s diversity, making it an inspiring read for anyone with a sense of wanderlust.
Run
Britain
200 Marathons, 128 Days. Fastest Circumnavigation of Britain.
The fastest circumnavigation of the coast of Britain on foot. Running an eye watering 5,250 miles over a mere 128 days, Nick ran over 200 marathons.
Nick set out from the Eden Project anti clockwise to become the fastest person to cover every mile of Britain's mainland coastline on foot. Battling the most extreme winds Britain had seen in 100 years, weeks of torrential rain and the unrelenting hills of Western Scotland and Cornwall, Nick suffered two broken bones and countless injuries, whilst taking on two marathons a day, every day for 4 months.
Covering an extraordinary 5,250 miles, running for over 12 hours a day, struggling to take in the 8,000 daily calories required to fuel his body, Nick battled sleep deprivation and extreme weight loss as he pushed his body and mind to their limit. Supported by close friends and family (including his ever-dependable right-hand man, Andy Swain, whose diary extracts feature in this book), Nick experienced spiralling lows and euphoric highs. As he traversed footpaths, country lanes and busy A roads, he passed through over two thousand coastal communities, buoyed along by supporters cheering from windows, balconies, passing cars and pavements, by school children and fellow runners, and by the stunning sights and sounds of the British coast.
Run Britain the book is Nick's account of his extraordinary adventure - an instant best seller.
Italian
Grand Tour
100 Days, 100 Marathons. North to South of Italy.
Nick Butter's Italian Grand Tour expedition was a monumental challenge where he ran 100 marathons in 100 consecutive days across Italy. The journey saw Nick travel the length of the country, from the top of the Alps to the southern shores of Sicily, while living in a van and embracing the country's rich culture, landscapes, and history. It tested his endurance and mental toughness, requiring him to run through injuries and on very little rest. Nick’s expedition was both a physical and logistical feat, offering a unique experience that allowed him to deeply connect with the people and places of Italy. This challenge was a significant chapter in his career, demonstrating his ability to push the limits of human endurance while showcasing his adventurous spirit.
1,000
Marathons
Life Time Achievement
Nick Butter's 1000th marathon was a monumental achievement in the world of endurance running. Last year Nick celebrated this incredible milestone by inviting fellow runners of all abilities to join him for a casual community run in Battersea Park, London. 400 meter loops. The event, a celebration of both his personal accomplishments and his passion for bringing people together through running, raised funds for Nick's charity, The 196 Foundation. Reaching 1000 marathons is an extraordinary feat, reflecting his tireless dedication to pushing the limits of human endurance while fostering community and charity.
Camino de
Santiago
Running 850km in 9 days
The Camino de Santiago which starts on the eastern side of the Pyrenees in France and finishes near the coast on the west of Spain. This is one of the oldest pilgrim routes in history. Traditionally hiked over 35 days this trip the ultimate minimalistic adventure. Nick took just the basic essentials. The run was a remarkable adventure, showcasing his dedication to adventure running. He ran the entire 850 km (528 miles) in just 9 days and 5 hours, an extraordinary achievement. Along the way, Nick documented his journey, sharing moments of reflection, the beauty of the landscape, and the camaraderie he encountered with fellow pilgrims. The run was not only a physical challenge but a deeply personal experience, connecting Nick to centuries of tradition and spirituality. His writings conveyed the emotional highs and lows of the journey, showing his determination, resilience, and love for the transformative power of running.
London
to Paris
Arch to Arc. 38 Hours Non Stop.
Covering 168 miles in just 38 hours and 51 minutes the run was mentally and physically gruelling. A spate of bad weather and busy roads, this was tougher than it appeared and taught him valuable life lessons. The route was often monotonous, and the rain didn’t let up, but Nick powered through, stopping for small breaks like ice cream and lunch. As the run continued into the night, one of Nick’s most memorable moments came when he experienced a vivid hallucination, seeing the Eiffel Tower in bright pink for hours—a surreal image brought on by exhaustion. Despite his mind and body reaching their limits, Nick’s determination pushed him onward, eventually guiding him to the City of Lights, where the final stretch illuminated the fruits of his persistence, The Arc de Triomphe.
Malin to
Mizen
North to South of Ireland.
Failure is merely a pitstop on the way success.
Nick Butter’s ambitious attempt to run the length of Ireland—from Malin Head to Mizen Head, a total of 351 miles in just 3 days—did not go as planned. After covering 140 miles, Nick was forced to stop due to pneumonia, marking the first time in his endurance career that he had to pull back. While this setback was a difficult moment, it highlighted an important truth: failure is an integral part of success. The experience provided invaluable lessons in resilience and the importance of listening to your body. Though this first attempt did not go according to plan, it ultimately set the foundation for future success. Nick’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that challenges and obstacles are opportunities for growth, and with perseverance, even the most difficult setbacks can lead to eventual triumph.
The Arctic
Circle
Adventure to the northern most parts of the world.
Nick Butter’s run into the remote Arctic Circle in Northern Norway was a grueling expedition of extreme endurance. Battling sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and rugged terrain, Nick faced one of his harshest environments. With temperatures plunging below -20°C, every breath felt like ice. The Arctic Circle, with its extreme daylight variations, meant that during Nick’s run, the sun never rose, leaving him in a surreal twilight for days. The few hours of dim light made navigating the snow-covered wilderness disorienting and exhausting. Yet, Nick pressed on, drawing strength from the immense adventure and raw beauty of the Arctic. Every step was a battle against the environment and his own limits—his resilience tested in one of the most extreme places on Earth.
The Caribbean
The Island of Nevis. Running and Community.
Nick Butter in Nevis, This was an extraordinary mix of athletic challenge and cultural discovery. Hosted by the Nevis Tourism Authority and Sponge Marketing, he competed in the Nevis Triathlon while exploring the island’s diverse landscapes. Nick ran, hiked, and cycled across Nevis, taking in its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and forests. He spent time engaging with local schoolchildren, conducting running drills, and sharing his motivational journey. Through these interactions, Nick formed a deep connection with the community. He learned about Nevis’ rich history, resourcefulness, and the importance of sustainable living, with local schools growing their own food. The island’s pace was slow and relaxed, offering a unique contrast to Nick's usual high-energy lifestyle.
3000km
Challenge
Where the madness started.
In the early days of Nick's running career he said goodbye to shorter distances like marathons and focused on super long slogs. Little did he know that this would set him up for the future. 3000km as fast as possible. It would take months juggling commitments and normal day to day life. But it kicked started the love for ultras and trail running. He soon went on to compete in the Ultra Trail World Tour racing all over the world with the best of the best.
24 Hour
Treadmill
129 miles. Non Stop.
Nick's 24-hour treadmill challenge was nothing short of legendary. Running 129 miles in a single day, he made it look effortless, powered by incredible mental strength and unwavering community support. Hosted at Nuffield Gym, the event raised £14,000 for Cancer Research, with friends and supporters joining him throughout the gruelling 24 hours. The challenge for Nick was a mental one rather than physical. He had no music, and no distractions. Just running.
Marathon
des Sable
The race that sparked the dream. And a broken ankle.
Nicks experience at the Marathon des Sables was a life-changing test of resilience for many reasons. Running through the brutal Sahara Desert, he faced unbearable heat and of course blisters, just as everyone did. The journey however was made more challenging thanks to a broken ankle just 40 miles from the finish line. Despite the immense pain, along 22 blisters on one foot and a 10-hour struggle to complete the final 10 miles, Nick pushed through. This race wasn’t the one he had envisioned, but it introduced him to life-altering friendships, particularly with Kevin Webber, whose battle with terminal prostate cancer inspired Nick to embark on his running the world journey. The Marathon des Sables ignited a path that led to a new life.
The Van
Marathon
Live streamed - 2500 laps of a Mercedes Sprinter van.
What started as a silly lockdown challenge quickly turned into a social media force for good. Nick Butter’s 2,500-lap run around his Mercedes Sprinter van captured the attention of thousands, turning a quirky activity into a powerful conversation about mental health and wellness. As the challenge gained momentum, celebrities, friends, and locals joined Nick virtually, amplifying the message of well-being. What began as a lighthearted distraction during a tough time ultimately raised awareness and sparked meaningful discussions, making a lasting impact on the importance of mental health.
Run With
The Sun
Sunrise to Sunset. The longest day of the year.
Words from project sponsor Pro Direct: Running from sunrise to sunset on the longest day of the year is certainly no mean feat and that’s before you factor in the record-high temperatures that day! But for British Endurance Pro, and all-round adventurer, Nick Butter, there’s nothing quite like a challenge. Lacing up at five in the morning, Nick set off for an epic run until sundown. A lengthy 14 hours later he clocked up over 72 miles. This short video shares the day running from Devon to Cornwall.
Lakes District
Around & Up
Around every lake, and Up every peak.
At his point in time Nick Butter was training for another year on the Ultra Trail. Plenty of miles needed to be run. What better way than running around all of the 16 largest lakes in the lake district and up every peak. This took 9 days complete.
Peaks & Elevation
Scafell Pike (978 metres)
Scafell (964 metres)
Helvellyn (950 metres)
Skiddaw (931 metres)
Great End (910 metres)
Bowfell (902 metres)
Great Gable (899 metres)
Pillar (892 metres)
Nethermost Pike (891 metres)
Catstycam (890 metres)
Lakes & Distances
Windermere – 17 miles (27.4 km)
Ullswater – 20 miles (32 km)
Derwentwater – 10 miles (16 km)
Bassenthwaite Lake – 7 miles (11.3 km)
Coniston Water – 9 miles (14.5 km)
Haweswater – 8 miles (12.9 km)
Thirlmere – 7 miles (11.3 km)
Ennerdale Water – 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Wastwater – 4 miles (6.4 km)
Crummock Water – 7 miles (11.3 km)
Esthwaite Water – 4 miles (6.4 km)
Buttermere – 3 miles (4.8 km)
Grasmere – 2.5 miles (4 km)
Loweswater – 3 miles (4.8 km)
Rydal Water – 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Brotherswater – 2 miles (3.2 km)
Circumnavigation of Bali
A lap of Indonesian Paradise. 8 Days.
Dodging grumpy dogs, running at 02:00am to avoid the heat, Nick ran a marathon a day around the glorious tropical island. Sponsored by Optimum Nutrition Nick and motorbike support driver slogged it out in the extreme humidity. As always the culture, people, the weather and animals played a part in this journey. It may only have been a week, but Nick now knows Bali well. The tiny rural roads full of dogs and villages in the north, to the bustling motorbike central in the south. The hills, the heat and the humanity shone through.
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