Karolina Szopa, a law lecturer from Bassett, set herself the challenge in Morocco back in July 2023 to spend every single day of the final year of her 20s running at least 2km – and she’s just kept on going.
The 31-year-old’s adventures since have included running the Rwenzori Marathon, which starts on the equator in Uganda, alongside barefoot children, completing Florence Half Marathon and jogging across the border from Kosovo to Albania in the mountains.
Many Parkruns, marathons and events were included in Karolina’s 1,000 days of running (Image: Family collection)
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After running in 21 countries, Karolina has now completed her final run, in the sunshine at Southbourne Beach, and she’s only stopping now because she’s seven months pregnant.
Karolina told the Daily Echo: “This challenge has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. I initially set out to do it for a year, with serious doubts about whether it would even be possible. However, being ‘forced’ to get out every day and move my body has been a real gift.
“There were definitely challenges along the way, from 4am starts to squeezing in a run at Singapore airport during a layover. But it’s proved to me that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
“My favourite run would have to be the Rwenzori Marathon in Uganda. Local children joined us along the route—many of them running barefoot or in Crocs. One boy, just six years old, ran 30 km with us without shoes or any prior training. It was incredible to witness. The children’s perseverance, and the pure joy they brought to the run, made the experience truly unforgettable.
“I’m a little sad the challenge has come to an end. But I’m incredibly grateful for every one of those runs, and I’m sure motherhood will bring its own exciting challenges.”
Karolina completed her 1,000 day challenge with a 5km run in the sunshine at Southbourne Beach (Image: Family collection)
Karolina is thought to be one of fewer than 10,000 people in the world to have achieved the feat.
The other countries to feature in her running challenge were Sweden, Spain, Costa Rica, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Mauritius, Indonesia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg and France.
A well earned refreshment for Karolina and partner Tim Bacon (Image: Family collection)