An experienced runner and triathlete who has completed 11 London Marathons says a 100-mile charity ride on a vintage Raleigh Chopper was the toughest challenge of his life — leaving him with broken ribs after two crashes.
Dean Jackson MBE – who has also completed the New York Marathon, three Half Ironman events and countless triathlons and duathlons – took on the Chopper Canal Chase to raise money for YMCA Derbyshire.
He set off 12 hours after friend Phil Mason, who was running 100 miles from Preston Brook, near Warrington, to Derby to raise funds for St Giles Hospice.
Dean caught up with his friend just outside Willington – 12 miles from the finish line – but despite decades of endurance racing experience, he said nothing had prepared him for riding over rough canal towpaths, through mud and long grass and in darkness.
The iconic 1970s Raleigh Chopper, with its small wheels, high-rise handlebars and heavy steel frame, was never designed for covering 100 miles, making the challenge even more gruelling.
Dean said: “I’ve completed 11 London Marathons, the New York Marathon, three Half Ironmans and countless triathlons and duathlons, but this was by far the hardest – and probably the stupidest – challenge I’ve ever done.
“I fell off twice, over the handlebars, and I’ve ended up with broken ribs. The terrain was awful in places, with long grass making it incredibly difficult, and riding sections of the route in the dark was genuinely dangerous.
“I had a flat tyre at one point and it was such hard going. I was pushing 190 watts at times, bruised, and struggling to breathe.
“It was relentless from start to finish. I honestly didn’t appreciate how hard it would be to ride 100 miles on a Raleigh Chopper, but there was no way I was going to give up.”
Phil completed the full 100-mile run in 23 hours and 59 minutes – beating his previous attempt in 2024 by an impressive 8 hours.
He said: “I put in six months’ training for this and it was pretty relentless, but it really paid off because I didn’t get any injuries – in fact I cycled into town the next day.
“The sleep deprivation is hard, but it was such a positive experience. St Giles Hospice needs £10 million a year to operate and receives just £2 million from the Government, so I know every penny we raised is desperately needed.
“I had a lot of support from my wife Mandy. My son joined me for the last 20 miles, my grandson ran the final five miles with me and my granddaughter managed the last 50 metres – she says she only runs in an emergency.
“I think Mandy will divorce me if I attempt anything like this again – but never say never.
“This challenge was always about supporting two incredible charities. Knowing the money raised will help families cared for by St Giles Hospice and the young people supported by YMCA Derbyshire made every mile worthwhile.”
To make a donation visit the Chopper Canal Chase website.
