Oliver Bentsen's 100km challenge

Gruelling ultramarathon for amyloidosis research

Oliver decided to take on an ultramarathon after his dad was diagnosed with amyloidosis in July 2023. 

Supporting the Royal Free Charity is what is going to move the needle around amyloidosis, whether that be for him or others. It’s not just my dad I’m doing this for but other people and how much the Royal Free Charity is doing to support patients with the disease.

Oliver Bentsen decided to run an ultramarathon while fundraising after his dad was diagnosed with amyloidosis in July 2023.

Amyloidosis is caused by a build-up of abnormal protein fibres, which can lead to life-threatening organ failure. Donations to the Royal Free Charity support the research, development, and patients of the National Amyloidosis Centre at the Royal Free Hospital.

Oliver explained: I decided to find something that could make a positive impact – good for my dad, for the charity and the hospital supporting him. I wanted to recreate my own battle in a way as he is going through a battle now.”

He completed an incredible 100km in 16.5 hours as part of the Hoka Canyons Endurance Run, which has 12,000ft elevation gain and a 15,000ft elevation descent.

I knew I was going to finish regardless of how I was feeling – this wasn’t about me, it was about my dad. I was doing it for a bigger reason,” said Oliver. If I had had to crawl over the finish line, that’s what I would have done. This was about enduring the battle that I had created in support of someone that I love and look up to dearly.”

Oliver raised an incredible £8,736.

He said: It restored my faith in humanity – people are inherently good, and it was amazing to see so many people be so generous.”

Thank you so much, Oliver, and congratulations on an amazing achievement!