The UKRunChat podcast.

What do you do when you've nearly completed 100 organised 10Ks, you're ticking off European capital cities one run at a time, and you're looking for your next adventure?

For PE teacher Kevin Dove, the answer was simple: run the entire Kent coastline.

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, we catch up with Kevin just a couple of days into his challenge, having already completed almost 50km.

Kevin shares how conversations with endurance runner Nick Butter inspired him to think bigger, why he's deliberately taking a day-on, day-off approach to recovery, and how this challenge is preparing him for an even bigger ambition in the future.

Along the way, Kevin is raising money for Veterans' Growth, a Kent-based charity supporting military veterans through counselling, community projects and wellbeing initiatives.

In this episode

• Kevin's running journey, from athletics to endurance challenges.
• His goal of running a 10K in every European capital city.
• Why he decided to run the entire Kent coastline.
• How Nick Butter inspired the challenge.
• Breaking a 300km adventure into manageable 20km sections.
• Why recovery days are just as important as running days.
• Managing nutrition, hydration and recovery during a multi-day challenge.
• Planning routes, logistics and avoiding injury.
• How Kevin is adapting to running during a summer heatwave.
• The importance of strength training after previous injuries.
• His favourite moments from the first 50km.
• Why this challenge is about enjoying the journey rather than chasing times.
• Supporting Veterans' Growth and the impact the charity has on the veteran community.

Fancy joining Kevin?

If you're local to Kent and would like to accompany him for part of the route, whether that's 5km, 10km or a full day's section, you can get in touch via Instagram. Kevin is updating his progress throughout the challenge on both Instagram and Strava, and welcomes company along the way.

Supporting Veterans' Growth

Kevin is fundraising throughout the challenge for Veterans' Growth, a charity based in Kent that supports former military personnel through counselling, community activities and wellbeing projects.

Every donation helps the charity continue supporting veterans and expand its services, including plans for a new community café and improved transport for those accessing support.

Support Kevin here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kentcoastline300km-kevin-dove

Follow Kevin

Follow Kevin's progress on Instagram and Strava to keep up with his journey around the Kent coastline, find out where he'll be running next and, if you're nearby, join him for a few miles.

If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the UKRunChat Podcast and leave us a review, it really helps more runners discover the show.