Two Half Marathons in a Week | Exeter School Pupil Joins World-Record Challenge

Posted: 10th August 2026

Three men in athletic shirts posing together in front of a van with a blue banner promoting a brain injury charity event.

Exeter School is proud of Sam, who completed two half marathons within a single week. During the same period, this dedicated Exeter School pupil also partnered with a former professional rugby player to support an incredible charity world-record challenge.

Sam proudly represented Exeter School by completing his first-ever half marathon. He ran alongside former professional rugby player David ‘Jacko’ Jackson and Simon Beatham, Director of Rugby at Nottingham Rugby Club. It was a brilliant introduction to long-distance running, and Sam clearly caught the bug.

Sam enjoyed the experience so much that he met up with Jacko again later in the week and went on to complete his second half marathon. Two half marathons in one week is a serious achievement for any runner, let alone a first-timer — and a proud moment for the whole Exeter School community.

Supporting Jacko’s World-Record Ultra Marathon Challenge

Sam’s half marathons were more than a personal milestone. He was there to support Jacko, who is currently taking on an extraordinary ultra marathon challenge: running 100 ultra marathons in 100 consecutive days, aiming to break the world record while raising £1 million for brain injury charities Headway UK and Head for Change.

It’s a cause close to many hearts, and this Exeter School pupil’s involvement has helped raise awareness of Jacko’s incredible fundraising effort within the school community.

Sam isn’t finished yet. He’s now planning to travel to Bristol later this month to join Jacko at the location where he’ll complete his world-record attempt — cheering him on as he crosses the finish line on what promises to be a historic day for long-distance running.

Proud of Sam — and Proud to Support a Great Cause

We’re incredibly proud of Sam for getting involved, supporting Jacko’s world-record challenge, and representing Exeter School while helping raise awareness for two fantastic charities. A huge well done to Sam — two half marathons and counting. What an incredible achievement!

If you’d like to support Jacko’s fundraising challenge and help him reach his £1 million goal, please visit Jacko’s fundraising page.