Eddie Smith (30) from Portland, Dorset, is set to embark on a challenging 100km ultra marathon along the Jurassic coast. His goal is to raise awareness of ME/CFS, and to fundraise for The ME Association.
The motivation behind the challenge comes from his brother, Marcus (31), who is largely bedbound, unable to work, and unable to do even the everyday activities he once enjoyed. Marcus' current symptoms appear to be presenting with all the hallmarks of ME/CFS, however he is currently undergoing referral processes to confirm his diagnosis.
We’ve always been really close and it’s incredibly hard to see how this condition has taken over his life. We’ve shared so many adventures – just last year he flew out to join me when I was travelling in Indonesia. It was a really active trip and we even hiked around volcanoes. Marcus has always been very fit and healthy, so to see him struggle to the point where having a conversation or walking down the stairs leaves him with extreme fatigue, is really tough. I wanted to do something that spreads awareness about ME/CFS and helps people understand that this can happen to anyone.
Eddie Smith
ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), is a multisystemic disease. Symptoms include profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, post-exertional malaise, cognitive difficulties and a range of other symptoms including pain, headaches, nausea and intolerance to lights and noise. Many people with ME/CFS are restricted to their homes, or bedbound.
For Eddie, an avid gym-goer, this challenge is the first of its kind, having only ever completed one half marathon years ago. Tackling an ultra‑marathon of this scale will push him far beyond anything he has attempted before – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Eddie continues, “It will be hard, gruelling, mentally and physically challenging, however it is not merely as challenging as what my brother, Marcus, is going through.”
Eddie will take on the 100km challenge, with a 2300m elevation, on Saturday 16 May 2026, running the rugged, spectacular World Heritage coastline. The route starts at Corfe Castle, runs along Lulworth Cove, and past Durdle Door before finishing in Bridport. Friends and family plan to join him at various points along the route to cheer him on.
Eddie has also committed to an intensive training regime, which entails strength training and running 6 days a week, combined with a nutritional plan to ensure he is in peak condition for the event.
I chose the 100km ultra marathon because I thought, if I’m going to take on a challenge, I might as well go big! The terrain is rough and rocky, so it’s going to be a tough one, but I’m going to give it 100%. I’m aiming to finish in under 16 hours. For me it’s about spreading as much awareness as possible, and helping others understand what people with ME/CFS are going through.
Eddie Smith
Eddie’s commitment to taking on such a demanding challenge in honour of his brother and everyone affected by ME/CFS is incredibly moving. We greatly appreciate being the organisation that Eddie and Marcus chose to raise funds for, and we’ll be behind him all the way as he takes on this 100km ultra marathon.
Martine Ainsworth-Wells, trustee and campaigns director at The ME Association
Eddie and Marcus both grew up in Dorset, attending one of the local schools and colleges.
They would like to raise more than £1,000 for The ME Association. To donate, please visit Eddie’s Just Giving page:
Eddie's Ultra Challenge 2026 (16th -17th May)
Fundraising for ME Association
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