THE LONG ROAD BACK.
Bridport, Dorset → Normandy → Arc de Triomphe, Paris
This is not a race. It is an act of endurance undertaken with deliberate intent.
James Sayers and Andy Potter — lifelong friends — will run from the Jurassic Coast of Dorset to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. On foot. Over twelve consecutive days. Through Normandy — the same corridor that history has walked for a thousand years. In 1066, William crossed from Normandy to conquer England. In 1944, the world crossed back to liberate France. In 2028, two men from Dorset run it in reverse. Past the D-Day beaches. Past Bayeux — Dorchester’s twin — and its tapestry. Through Falaise, where William was born and where the liberation of France was decided.
James runs for the ward that kept him alive. Andy runs for the hospital’s cancer ward, after his own cancer treatment there. Both run for everyone who ever needed someone to talk to and couldn’t find the words. This is The Long Road Back.
Every penny raised by the public goes directly to charity. Every operational cost is covered by sponsorship. That is the commitment.
The Route
→ Poole
→ Carentan
→ Bayeux
→ Thury-Harcourt
→ Falaise
→ Carrouges
→ Sées
→ Mortagne-au-Perche
→ Nogent-le-Rotrou
→ Chartres
→ Rambouillet
→ Arc de Triomphe
The UK Day runs 42 miles from Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, past Dorset County Hospital to Poole Ferry Terminal — then the support car heads to Portsmouth for the 22:00 overnight ferry to Cherbourg. France Days 1–11 cross France: through Bridport’s twin town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, along the D-Day beaches to Bayeux — Dorchester’s twin — and its tapestry, through Falaise and the Suisse Normande, across the Perche to Bellême, Chartres and Versailles, to the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Overnight stops and stage boundaries may be refined as accommodation partnerships are confirmed.
The Charities
Dorset County Hospital is the main charity umbrella. Both wards are equal in the story and equal on the route — the team passes through DCH on Day 1, filming as they leave. MIND completes the three, woven through the TOL ethos that brought these runners together.
Andy Potter’s ward. The personal connection is direct and deeply felt. Equipment-targeted fundraising — a named, tangible outcome that donors can see and feel proud of.
James Sayers’ ward. The care received here is the reason for this run. Equipment-targeted fundraising — specific, purposeful, and lasting well beyond April 2028.
Getting outside, moving, and talking is one of the most powerful things a person can do for their mental health. Thinking Out Loud Runners was built on this belief. This run carries it to France.
Approx. fundraising split: 40% Cancer Ward · 40% Renal Ward · 20% MIND (to be confirmed)
PART OF
THE ROAD.
The Long Road Back runs on sponsorship. Every operational cost — fuel, crew, food, equipment, medical support — is covered by sponsors so that every penny raised by the public goes directly to the three charities.
It started as ten marathons in ten days. We mapped it properly and it became something bigger: twelve days, 350+ miles, from each Dorset town to its French twin. Everything is planned. Now we need you — for one day, or for the whole road.
Packages are available now, 18 months ahead of the run. Early sponsors get maximum exposure across all campaign materials, the longest lead time for content planning, and the story from the very beginning.