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Runner with Down's syndrome tackles 100km in six days

BBC Joseph Adams flanked by his friends at the end of his final 10km race in Altrincham.BBC
Joseph Adams ran 10 separate 10km races in six days across Europe

A 21-year-old man with Down's syndrome who ran 100km (62 miles) across Europe in six days has said he would have struggled without the help of "malt loaf and 80s rock music".

Joseph Adams, from Altrincham, ran 10km (6.2 miles) twice a day though cities like Liege, Zurich, Como and Monaco before returning to finish his last run through his hometown on 1 September.

Mr Adams has raised more than £320,000 for Altrincham FC to fund a disability sports programme, after being sent message of support from sports stars like Steven Gerrard, Jill Scott and Rory McIlroy.

"I was so happy to finish and see all of my friends in the crowd," he said.

Mr Adams spent three weeks receiving special care when he was born and did not walk until he was nearly three years old, according to his family.

But he went on to become an active sportsman, and decided to undertake the charity challenge.

Joseph Adams ran accompanied by his friends and family
Joseph Adams ran accompanied by his friends and family throughout the course

He started the 10x10km challenge on 27 August in Amsterdam, running in events through Europe before returning to Altrincham.

The whole challenge took more than 20 hours, with local businesses donating to his cause to see him pass an initial target of £100,000.

Mr Adams was accompanied by his sisters, parents and friends throughout the challenge.

"I really struggled with the heat," he said, adding his favourite 1980s rock songs to accompany his running were "The Final Countdown, Livin’ on a Prayer and Don’t Stop Believing".

His father, Phil, said his son had taught him that "if you ignore labels attached to people and preconceptions of what they can achieve, you enable them to explore their full potential".

He said his son had never run more than 2km (1.2 miles) before.

"But by not assuming that he couldn’t, we were able to take it on and hopefully inspire other people, whether they have special needs or not, to explore their own capabilities."

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