Four Challenges, Three Personal Bests and 374 Meals for Local People

Jeremiah Elongama has completed an incredible four endurance events in two months to raise vital funds for Hackney Foodbank.

A newcomer to the world of running, he took on London HYROX, the Paris Marathon, the London Marathon and the Hackney Half Marathon in just under two months.

In the process, Jeremiah achieved three personal bests and raised £696 for Hackney Foodbank – enough to provide the equivalent of 374 meals for people facing hardship.

Remarkably, the 29-year-old only started running around 18 months ago. Outside of work as a Client Success Manager, he is a musician.

"When I first started running, it was because someone said I couldn't do it," he said.

"Then I said, 'Yeah, I'm going to try it then. I thought I could just get up and run, but it's not that easy."

What began as a personal challenge quickly became a passion. Despite promising himself he would never run another marathon after completing his first, he soon found himself signing up for more.

"It was hard. I said I'd never do it again after I finished the first marathon. Then, because I knew I could do better, it made me want to do it more."

His commitment to training was remarkable. To fit running around work and a busy life, he often left home at 6am and ran the 15 miles from Cheshunt to the office before starting his working day. Through the dark winter months, those early-morning runs became a key part of his preparation.

Family has also played a huge role in his running journey. His two older brothers have autism and inspired his first fundraising challenge.

"So, the initial start was to run because my brothers can't just get up and say they want to run a marathon. I want them to see me do things and live life at its fullest."

As his running continued, he wanted his efforts to benefit others too.

"If I'm going to do something, I don't want it to be about me but helping other people as well."

His connection with Hackney Foodbank began after taking part in the charity's Supermarket Sweep volunteering challenge with colleagues, where he learnt more about the growing need for emergency food support.

Across four endurance events, Jeremiah covered more than 70 miles. While each challenge tested him, it was the Hackney Half he found the toughest.

"I felt every single step. In theory it should be easier because it's half a marathon, but it was so hard because I’d already done it all.

“My body was already shattered by that point."

Reflecting on the support he received, he said:

"Seeing that people were invested in supporting Hackney Foodbank was enough to keep me going. I couldn't have done it without them. I'm just happy that people resonated with the cause."

Jeremiah is now turning his attention to shorter distances, with ambitions to improve his 5K and 10K times later this year.