From 280lbs To Ultra Marathon Runner

Meet James Dunn, known to most as @morningcoffeerun, who 6 years ago made a bet with himself that he would turn his life around. Fast forward to today and you find him taking on one of Europes most challenging ultra runs, the UTMB de Martigny-Combe à Chamonix. This is his story.
↓ ↓ What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever taken on? Have you had a moment of clarity and looked to turn your life around?
We’d love to hear your stories or find new challenges for us to take on! Let us know in the comments below! ↓↓
What’s in this video?
00:50 What is MCC
01:15 Kit Check
02:15 Race Day
05:30 The Trails Proper
06:10 James' Story
10:23 Always Forward
13:09 A Confession
15:27 The Highest Point
18:41 All Downhill From Here
20:08 Returning To Civilisation
21:21 Chamonix
MUSIC licensed by Artlist:
We are Millenials by Rex Banner
Fire at Will by Tilman Sillescu
Stairway to the Stars by Rex Banner
Neon Skies by 2050
Great Times Ahead by Rex Banner
Surfing Time by Swirling Ship
Horizons by Ian Post
Gravity by Stanley Gurvich
Waterfall by Milan
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[@JamesDunne]

James!! I've been so looking forward to your video coming out on The Running Channel. Worth the wait my friend 😀 Amazing job, and what an incredible story. Be proud buddy!

[@saunadude8082]

Hope youre doing well and healthy James. Looking forward to another vid. Very much grateful for all the injury prevention vids.

[@Unthwartable]

James! Missed you, hope everything is going great with your own journey!

[@themorningcoffeerun2296]

Thanks James that means a lot coming from you! Hopefully these James Dunn(e)s can get a run in together soon!

[@ven412]

Awesome job! I’m on the same journey, gone for 325 to a marathon and training for an ultra.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing story, well done 👏

[@ulfeliasson5413]

Well done, James. Warms my heart to see. I have something similar of an experience. I used to weigh +130kg. Injuries and eating is not a good combination. I was literally dying from painkillers and obesity. Was seconds away from killing myself. Then the pains eased enough for me to start running again. A year later I was down to 72kg and ran a marathon again, even made an Ironman. Sadly, I overpushed it so I am horribly, probably chronically, overtrained since years back. And have serious hip issues. But it beats being dead. Still haven't given up though. That's the important mindset. Again, great accomplishment! My hat is off to you, sir.

[@cornertocorner5074]

James, you're an absolute legend and i'm in awe of what you have achieved over the past few years. You're an inspiration to more people than you know. I can't wait to see where you'll run next, hopefully, there will be more videos to come!

[@themorningcoffeerun2296]

Thanks buddy, your tenner is in the post lol

[@Kosh42EFG]

Started at 39 years old and 22 stone. Similar journey and just entered two x 100k races for 2024. Bring it on!

[@runningchannel]

Amazing 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@robertgarner11]

Thanks for sharing this, James, and well done for finishing it! After watching it I went back and signed up to a half marathon which I’d been dithering over. It was the last place!

[@brookeworm18]

James, your story is so similar to mine! Mental breakdown in quarantine last year led me on a 1 mile run and a year later, I’m training for my first half marathon. I love running and it’s changed my life. Thank you TRC for sharing James’ story! I REALLY enjoyed it!!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations on suc incredible achievements! Best of luck for the half marathon, do let us know how it goes 😊

[@Ytsejam007]

A very relatable story..... you go this!

[@themorningcoffeerun2296]

Oh my goodness Brooke, best of luck for your first half. You are on very similar path to me so I look forward to bumping into you in a race in the future! Where is your first half going to be?

[@brookeworm18]

​@@themorningcoffeerun2296 Hi James! Thanks for your kind words! My first half will be the Jasper Half in Alberta, Canada next April. It's wild to think I'm going to be running 21km next April, but I am stoked for the challenge. Here's to hoping I can make it to the UK for a race sometime soon.

[@brookeworm18]

@@runningchannel Thanks, Team TRC! I will update when I run it next April! :D

[@raysollarsthehappyjogger5907]

Ultra marathons are an awesome challenge, even more so in mountain trail terrain. As for me, on November 15th, I start a formal cycle of training for my 1st marathon which will be March 20, 2022 in Los Angeles. My turnaround moment was when I checked into a mental hospital in the summer of the year 2000 and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I had suffered depression and alternate hypo-manias for over 40 years. Talk therapy and medication changed all that. Exercise has been key to my mental health though it was not always running. In the past year, another watershed moment came when I realized that my self worth is not to be measure by my "market place worth" nor can it be found in personal accomplishments. Oddly, it is this realization that has allowed me to accomplish more. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace. :-)

[@runningwithmj783]

James, you are such an inspiration!!! Congratulations and well done for tackling this brutal race and thanks for sharing the experience with us. (I may have UTMB-envy now 🤔😂)

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Mary! Are you tempted to sign up? 😉

[@newenglandcoffeehouse832]

James’ story is truly inspirational. I could listen to him talk all day!

[@janicegagnon2294]

What an accomplishment, loved hearing your story !

[@Tellathus]

Absolute BOSS!!!! Killing it James thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@Littlebigexplorations]

amazing story, super inspiring and wow what a race vlog!!! Felicitations James :-)

[@terrycathie115]

What an amazing run James. That distance is a long way on the flat without adding elevation to it. Congratulations mate. I do road running with most of my long runs being between 21km and 44km. I like the idea of trail running but I’m scared of getting lost. Good luck with your future runs.

[@jenniea2157]

Great video & inspiring story James. You are so brave - the terror on your face when climbing was real & I felt I for you! Loved your sense of humour too - hope you make some more videos😁

[@Lloydy10]

Full respect to this guy

[@TerryG_Running]

Thanks for sharing your story, i too have started running for weight loss and improving my mental health and hope to do an ultra marathon sometime this year.

[@johndudley2030]

Thank you. This really resonated with me. Very similarly I was very heavy and unhealthy. Started running after recovering from surgery and finally started to get some control over my weight. Then joined a club, parkrun became 10k, became half marathons, became marathons and onwards. I only started running at 41. I'm 50 this year.

[@ariungalindev7426]

James, you inspired me! Amazing job and great story. Congratulations on your achievements over the years.

[@samfoskett7988]

what a hero!! massively inspirational can’t wait to hopefully see a future video!

[@ColinMcRaeVIT]

Great message. Anyone unsure just needs to watch this to the end.

[@timandanghodge439]

Amazing video and what a lovely person. Not sure I would have got past the ledge section without having a meltdown, well done!

[@DiggerPrints0814]

Another person here who has a similar story, weighed 144kg at the start of the year..... But now after nearly 4 months of running I have finally got my ParkRun under 30 minutes (first was 37.40 in early Feb) I have dropped to 110kgs and signed up for my first Ultra run in December!!

[@racheleleanor1992]

What a cool race and incredible story. James you are a superstar!

[@karenobrien3458]

Well done James, what a journey! Enjoyed the video 👏👏👏

[@Lalo_Runs]

In love with your guy’s channel! You guys are amazing

[@xxmorancxx]

That was incredible!! I’m so inspired to do that event now! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️✨✨

[@connor02]

What a guy!! Absolute superhuman

[@benwatson3527]

Superb video! Well done, James! 🙌

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Ben!

[@stevelikeafox]

Great video. I can relate to this I struggled with my mental health and actually credit running with getting me out of a very very dark place. I'm a long way off this kind of distance but one day!! Also the climbing bit really terrified me just thinking about it great work 👏

[@0052553]

Well done. I feel inspired watching this

[@michaelbennett6778]

So inspirational, love your attitude James. 😂Boom you did it 🏃🏻‍♂️🏁

[@matthewfagence9839]

Inspiring 🏃‍♂️🏔😎🇦🇺🦘

[@richardmorschel6266]

Inspiring! Thanks!!

[@deathcass]

Omg that was amazing… good job and amazing adventure

[@gwenllianroberts5857]

Great story - well done!

[@wossaaaat]

I don't have a particularly strong fear of heights, but running along that would likely cause some significant botty leakage from me... fair play.

[@xXAnthony619Xx]

Just ran my first marathon and moving onto 50k training. Two years ago I was 334 and a smoker. If my ass can do it, so can you.

[@nikolasantonioni790]

Congrats! ;)

[@ColinMcRaeVIT]

Sam Tarley! Sounds so much like.

[@craigfaulkner8455]

Look at him go he's like a Gazelle that's what I said lol

[@lenagennemarkedsbacker]

👏👏👏🏆👏👏👏

[@Lifeover60]

Some of my biggest challenges were starting to run at age 33 and then 1) doing g my first Ironman at 40 2) running a marathon race or distance every week for 52 weeks when I was 52 3) running 100 miles 4)running 250 km in 6 days at 59

[@michaelsteinberg205]

That’s really impressive. I hope to be able to do that one day, and hope I am that able bodied when I’m your age. I will turn 36 in 5 weeks. Just ran my first marathon 4 weeks ago. Running my second in 2 weeks, and my first 50k the week I turn 36.

[@carlvjack]

I just turned 53 thanks for the inspiration.

[@howsthatchicken5490]

I always ran on the road. A few years ago I signed up for the London marathon. Didn't get through the ballot (no, I didn't downvote your vid 😄). So I decided to sign up for a very hilly, tough trail run instead because there was no ballot. I wasn't properly trained for that kind of terrain though and consequently suffered all the way to the finish line (and several days after), but I absolutely loved it and have never gone back to road running. So not getting through the ballot is not always a bad thing 😊

[@Felicity-uj7pg]

Thank you, Running Channel, for featuring such great and interesting runners on the channel! Over the last month, I try to watch (at least) one RC video before going to bed every night, and today at a 5K I shaved 4:47 off my previous PB. I have learned so much from you guys! Thank you for all your great content!

[@jamesbothoms6009]

Watching these kinds of videos are dangerous, for both my wallet and my legs 😂

[@jesskenyon8192]

James is the best everrrr! Would be totally cool if he was in more (all) future videos 👀🤩

[@tessaronge1732]

Ahh just ran my first ever marathon! Thank you for all the great content!!

[@MrCannedguds]

Hi, James! I also have a similar story! But mine goes back to 2003. To summarize my journey which is just like yours, I would say: "From 42 inches to 42 kms". And just 3 weeks ago, I also became a running blogger and this video...your story... they motivate me to also share mine. Good luck to me! lol! Anyway, you really did an amazing job and what a truly inspirational story! Looking forward for more from you!

[@martinscofield7477]

This is a superb video, well done to the film maker and the runner. First class work with great commentary by James,. Excellent piece, and I’ve seen a lot of mountain running videos, believe me!

[@jassaljs]

Hi James! That was an amazing trail run, it felt like we were with you on the run🍻

[@runningchannel]

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever taken on? Have you had a moment of clarity and looked to turn your life around? We’d love to hear your stories or find new challenges for us to take on! Let us know in the comments below!

[@vixen134]

I had a realisation last year eating a bag of munchies..'why was I eating this?'. Fast forward to now, I am nearly 5 stone lighter, nearly completed a garmin coach plan to get my 5k to under 35mins - which I have already hit as a goal, sub 30 5k is the next target! Ultimate goal is to run a marathon in the next couple years.

[@Nicola435]

Congratulations! This race looks amazing (as does the video). Biggest challenge would be losing a bet to James and running my first marathon as a consequence... Queenstown is not that flat but we had a great Fergburger at the end

[@themorningcoffeerun2296]

That burger made the marathon totally worth it! Think we need another bet soon...

[@avinashbhogun]

This story is remarkable. Whilst we can appreciate the amazing journey being told (literately), can we take a moment to sit back and admire not only those views but THAT gender split at the start line, tres bien

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching!!

[@filalves]

I see myself in 2022. From 322lbs down to 207 and counting. Congrats

[@brookeworm18]

A legend! Congratulations to YOU! Best of luck!

[@runningchannel]

Amazing - congratulations 👏👏

[@avtar1699]

This is inspirational. I have my first 5k this week. Had a mental health breakdown at the start of this year. Long story short, gained about 30kg since 2020. I was at 125kg in August. I started to take running seriously in September and I am down to 111kg. A 14kg difference. Seeing this video makes me look forward to where I take this!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Best of luck!!

[@avtar1699]

@@Kelly_Ben Thanks, smashed by P.B by 6 minutes!

[@baron5595]

Well done. Keep up the good work 👍💪

[@janettrigwell8851]

Well done James. What is your name on Strava.

[@sol029]

I started. I stopped. Started. Stopped. Started. Stopped. Need help starting again. Next week joined beginner run group. All my running was solo. 3x half marathoner hoping the group running brings me back. Right now. Not even 5k capable. Feel like shit without the running.

[@kimmcb8037]

Amazing! What a wonderful video. I have absolutely loved watching the UTMB races over the years but never considered one of the shorter ones as an option, now i'm thinking about it, and I'm 50 next year so would like to have some adventures to celebrate. I am with you on being easily led!

[@davekirkwood9076]

He was like a gazelle.. but he came from behind you at 22.5km. Where's he been... 😅

[@annecoleman5502]

Well done on your amazing journey and transforming your life in such an epic way. You should be soooo proud of yourself!! And it was lovely following your mountain run, thank you so much for sharing 👍😊

[@darbydeford6270]

Ahh!! The dichotomy between beautiful and terrifying on those mountains!! Well done!!

[@adamk99]

I’m in a similar situation started at almost 22 stone at started couch to 5k with the intention of doing some obstacle races but feel in love with the freedom of running first half marathon this coming weekend 😳I know it’s gonna be hard but don’t care about the time just want to cross the line.

[@ChrisLedwidge]

Love @morningcoffeerun 's story. Needed to see this video to get motivated again after a lull.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Chris!

[@cielostack2698]

I started running with the intent on participating in a half marathon. If anything, the thought of competing made me more anxious. Now I run for fun and cardiac health. I run on the days I don’t lift and lift on the days I don’t run.

[@rhinopaul]

More info on how to get on the ladder to these events would be great. I just looked at how to enter the UTMB and unless you have €2000 it looks very complicated and a lot of stones 🤔are involved.

[@chrisshaw2810]

I think he must be good at lotteries as this race is essentially for locals and volunteers...

[@rhinopaul]

@@chrisshaw2810 hi, yes I eventually found that info. Shame, looked like an amazing trail and future goal.

[@mcsorleypeter]

Brilliant, really inspiring!

[@williamryan6268]

Inspiring. "Invent yourself and then re-invent yourself" Fantastic - the message that exercise is transformative - especially for mental health - is something special.

[@michaelrheiner2415]

Awesome work! So many stories like this…”it all started with a ……..”….walk in my case. For this kind of “success, it’s always about the journey, never the destination since people like this dont work to achieve one thing, the focus is alway the journey. Well done!!

[@Chauncey0920]

Used to run daily but life took a turn got sick then got lazy, soon after my wife and baby where lucky to survive her being born and I'm now my lil girls F/T carer and on Dec 23rd I was 154.6kg. Realised I need to be fitter and stronger for her and my wife and for myself so being the sane and level headed man I am I applied for the dublin marathon and got in 1st try. I'm now 143kg in 3 weeks and 55km done in that time and am looking to be 105kg by July and complete the marathon in Oct. Loved your story James. Running is my love, always has been. It is the loneliest place, no-one can help you do it and it is where you can put your demons to task and realise that they aren't so big.

[@allinotte4263]

I was a spectator in 2018. You cannot describe the atmosphere or the views. Chills. Congrats!

[@googletookmyoriginaluserna4182]

Smashing bloke! More vids from James please! Thanks for sharing your longer and shorter journey! Look forward to more.

[@chrisf6612]

London Ballot first time!?! I hope you step on lego! Only joking. I am absolutely amazed and what an awesome story story James. TRC, can we have more of this please!

[@runningchannel]

More from James in a few weeks Chris. We shot something with him over the weekend that we think people are going to LOVE!

[@jenniferbraun2654]

I wish I could have been there and ran with you! Amazing views

[@Kelly_Ben]

This was a blast to watch! Congrats on your race, and your life transformation. What a stunning place to reaffirm how glorious life can be. Exercise can truly change a person's life, and trail races have introduced me to a whole new level of health, support and encouragement. "Why run 1km when you can run them all?" 😆 Love it!!

[@jameshcox]

Well done. Great story. Thanks for sharing..

[@ady110fv]

Fantastic to hear once you can run its so easy to get into and enjoying it top lad

[@melissamenchaca9121]

This is encouraging me to seek out an ultra marathon

[@derrunn3r613]

I love these race-vlogs, beautiful scenery, amazing story, what an achievement, well done, James!

[@deanpower3079]

Awesome running and amazing views

[@sturgmanrunning8546]

I have always wanted to run mt blanc ultra u inspire me mate keep it up

[@Leeroy49]

That's some sick elevation. Great story

[@michaelsteinberg205]

I’m trying to turn my life around. I’m 5’6” (166 cm), and earlier this year i weighed 208 pounds (96 kg). I started dieting and exercising. I now weigh 174 pounds (79 kg). I ran my first marathon 4 weeks ago, and will run my next one in 2 weeks. I signed up for my first ultramarathon of 50k in 4 weeks after that. Yesterday I ran 10 miles wearing a a 60 pound (28 kg) weighted vest.

[@runningchannel]

Fair play Michael, sounds like you're really getting into it!

[@hayleyringrose2206]

You are blimmin’ awesome 👏 Way to go James x

[@Jonathan-teamslgr]

Well done, inspiring 👍🏻

[@relatablerunning]

Just watched this. Beautiful shots and great video. My highlight was the Man: "what a beautiful day" - James: "thank you" 2 miles from the end 😂.

[@ocbyn]

Love this guy. My new spirit animal. 👍👍👍👍

[@germanchokolat1]

Thought this was a transformation video... RIP

[@Leinad734]

Thanks James for sharing your story - inspiring!

[@carsons5750]

Seems crazy how well groomed those trails are for how remote they look.

[@zselatyne]

Your ankles lean inwards, do not use those inov8 shoes, your ankles need support shoes.

[@loebas667]

running story starts @6.15

[@Mookiethedog]

I just did a 40km trail race last month and should stick my head over yours and upload it. 100% agree with you on the adventure and think anyone who is interested owes it to themselves to get out and do it!!!

[@amanekabbaj]

Chamonix !!!! I’ve only been there once 2 years ago but it was like going back in time and I want to go back properly. It was on my way to visit family.

[@runningchannel]

It is a beautiful place! Would you like to do this race?

[@amanekabbaj]

@@runningchannel sûre i would! I’m just waiting for things to die down. Getting back home is still very constricted at the moment

[@prathaminsomniac]

For all you runners out there ... Keep Inspiring .... Om Shanti

[@lalagray7002]

What country are u living?? Love adventure

[@marierunsultra]

Brilliant video really enjoyed that. Great to see some inspirational stories like this.

[@karenpatterson4330]

What a wonderful journey, both the race and the journey to improved health through running! Thank you for sharing. Videos like this are what inspires me to keep going and to try something out of my comfort zone. And you are so right... a running community is a great support.

[@rsk_st1294]

You are a strong willed person to finish an UTMB. I am myself 220 pounds, and just started running 5 months ago and on verge to complete my first half-marathon. Hopefully one day, i would run an UTMB like you.

[@filmic1]

Hearty congrats! I was about the same weight and I was sucking wind after a hundred meters. I don't know what motivated me to start, probably just raw fear cause I could hardly get into the back seat of a car. I got up to ten K by the end of the summer. That was 2006. I did two Montreal Halfs, probably took me three hours, per. I'm pushing seventy now, and still do + five K just to control my diabetes and heart health. Great encouragement. Thanks.