Marathon man swept up in Argentina's World Cup fever

Currently running the length of South America for charity, Mike Humphreys has had a front-row seat to Argentina's "absolutely outrageous" World Cup celebrations. But should England bring those to a close in the semi-final later, he admits he will have to celebrate in silence.

The marathon runner from Hedon, in East Yorkshire, is partway through a 4,700-mile journey to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) research.

Setting off in March, he has so far clocked up 3,230 miles (5,200km), the equivalent of 123 marathons in 106 days. He has just passed the Argentine city of Humahuaca, and is about 75 miles (120km) from the border with Bolivia.

"It's crazy, the atmosphere out here," Mike explains as he describes what it has been like during Argentina's matches so far.

"Every single person heads out to the streets, scooters with people on the back holding flags, pick-up trucks with full families in the back with horns, trumpets and drums."

On one occasion when the team was playing, Mike says he ran through a police checkpoint without being noticed by officers who were watching the match.

"The entire country stops just for the game," he says. "It's back to normal after, but most people are celebrating after and drinking and partying."

The 39-year-old is attempting the challenge to support his friend, Craig Eskrett, who was diagnosed with MND in 2023. His efforts have also been shaped by the loss of friend Carl Giblin to the condition in 2013.

His previous challenges have included completing 30 marathons in 30 days and riding a Raleigh Chopper bike from Hull to the Alps.

However, his latest has not been without its setbacks.

His support van driver left the project, forcing him to hitchhike to locations so he could return to his van.

After appealing for help on social media, he was joined by Juan Cruz Lopez, from Córdoba, Argentina.

The pair have watched every match together when either England or Argentina have been playing and it will be no different for the match taking place in Atlanta between the two teams later.

"For the game, I've been told [I've] got to be quiet," he says.

"People take this really, really seriously... so there's going to be me watching it in silence and hopefully England can do it.

"Maybe I'll have to run 20 kilometres and celebrate on the road on my own [if they win]!"

It will then be back to the challenge, where Mike says he has had to run through the pain barrier, which has included injuring his ankle, three-day migraines and stormy weather.

"Even if I'm feeling a bit sick, nauseous, I'm still getting the runs in," he says.

"I'm hoping to not have a day off because I think that gives a nice message to everyone suffering with MND.

"They don't get a day off and I want to put this challenge on the map and show that I'm behind them every step of the way.

"The challenge is kind of like how England comes together for the World Cup. I'm hoping we can get everyone behind this challenge."

Mike predicts he will complete his mission in about 160 days and hopes to raise £1m for MND. But, it is not just about the achievements or fundraising.

"I truly believe if everyone can get behind it, there's endless potential in what we can raise," he says

"But, also, I know it really brings hope to everyone affected by motor neurone disease."

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