On 16 May 2025 Dr Sarah Ruggins claimed the outright World Record for cycling the length of the UK and back, a total of 2,700KM, in 5 days 11 hours and 14 minutes.
By achieving this she made history, joining an exclusive group of incredible female athletes who hold the outright record for a feat of endurance over their male competitors.
Growing up, Sarah was a promising track star, with aspirations of joining Team Canada as an Olympic hopeful.
But aged 15, Sarah developed an autoimmune condition known as one of the world’s most painful diseases, so painful it ended her running career.
She lost the the ability to walk, to use her hands or move. She was transferred abroad for urgent 24/7 care and would spend years fighting to recover.
Sarah’s story
“I went for this World Record to close the chapter on all the versions of my life I did not get to experience”.
— Dr. Sarah Ruggins
This record is for the fastest return trip across the United Kingdom by bicycle.
Sarah’s plan was to start and finish in Land’s End, hence LE-JOG-LE which stands for the original route's beginning (Land’s End), mid (John O'Groats) and end-point (Land’s End).
Due to weather conditions, Sarah started and ended the record attempt in John O’Groats. This is permitted in the rules and is the same start and finish points as the previous record holder.
The ride covered 2,700km of distance and 18,000m of elevation.
The record
Sarah took on this monumental challenge to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two charities that are close to her heart.
She's seen first hand how a bicycle can change their access to people’s opportunities and quality of life, in a way very different to but resonating with the way it has changed hers.
The charities
"I want to show that just because life doesn't always turn out the way we expect, it doesn't mean it's a bad life."
— Dr. Sarah Ruggins
Please donate to our charities
Imagine surviving on £8.86 per week. With a weekly bus pass costing £20, refugees face impossible choices. The Bike Project (England) and Bikes for Refugees (Scotland) work to end transportation poverty by collecting, fixing and distributing bicycles across the UK.
These bikes are a lifeline, enabling access to food banks, healthcare, and education for refugee families across the UK.
