Ex-paratrooper and local gym owner takes on world's toughest jungle race

Luke Read, founder of Airborne Fit near Ipswich, will attempt the Beyond the Ultimate Jungle Ultra starting 1 June 2025 – a five-day, 230-kilometre self-sufficient ultramarathon through Manu National Park in Peru.

The race is widely regarded as one of the world's hardest endurance events. Competitors carry all supplies, including food, medical gear, and hammocks, while navigating unforgiving terrain from cloud forest to Amazon basin.

Helen KirkmanHelen Kirkman Photography

The challenge ahead: Only 15% of competitors complete the race, which involves running the equivalent of a marathon each day through soaring humidity, extreme elevation changes, river crossings and dense jungle pathways. The final stage extends over 75 kilometres in intense heat and unpredictable weather.

"As soon as I became aware of the Amazon Rainforest Ultra I knew it was a challenge I had to put myself forward for," said Luke. "It's the kind of challenge that forces you to go beyond your physical limits and confront your mental resilience head-on. That's what drew me in. And it mirrors exactly what many people face daily when dealing with mental health struggles."

Personal connection: Luke is supporting Suffolk Mind, a charity he has backed for several years. As a veteran of the British Parachute Regiment who has faced his own mental health battles, he sees the race as an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing.

"Mental health affects us all. During and after my time in the Parachute Regiment, I've had to navigate my own challenges," he said. "Suffolk Mind provides essential support for people in need, and I want to give something back to a cause that has personal meaning for me."

Previous efforts: This isn't Luke's first fundraising initiative. In 2024, he and Airborne Fit members raised over £4,500 during their "Machines for Mental Health" challenge, keeping every cardiovascular machine at the gym running continuously for 24 hours.

Henry Tapp, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Suffolk Mind, said: "Luke has been a great supporter of Suffolk Mind in recent years and we are incredibly grateful to have such a brilliant mental health advocate highlighting our cause. His most recent undertaking is a real testament to his dedication to positive mental and physical health."

The bottom line: Luke's extreme challenge demonstrates how lived experiences can drive extraordinary efforts to support others, raising vital funds for Suffolk Mind's county-wide services in the process.

At the time of writing, he's already raised £985 of his £1,000 target – 98.5% of his fundraising goal – ahead of the June challenge. To follow his progress or nudge him over the line, visit https://www.suffolkmind.org.uk/giving-pages/luke-read/.