Ealing Woman Attempting To Run Capital Ring in a Day
Melissa Williams taking on 126km challenge for Alzheimer's Research UK
Melissa's mother was diagnosed with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 59
April 9, 2026
An Ealing resident is preparing to take on one of London’s toughest endurance challenges in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, attempting to run the entire 126-kilometre Capital Ring in less than a day.
Melissa Williams, an ambassador for the charity, will set off from Brent Meadow in Hanwell at 6am on Saturday 18 April, aiming to complete the 78-mile loop of parks, waterways and neighbourhoods around the capital by around 1am the following morning. The route is normally divided into 15 separate sections and is rarely attempted in one continuous effort, making her challenge the equivalent of running three marathons back-to-back.
This is a self-organised fundraiser rather than an organised race, meaning Melissa will be navigating, pacing and managing the entire effort herself. She hopes the attempt will help push her total fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK beyond £25,000. Donations can be made via her JustGiving page.
Melissa began supporting the charity in 2022 after her mother was diagnosed with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 59. As an ambassador, she has spoken publicly about the impact of the disease on families, appearing live on Sky News and giving talks to raise awareness of the need for research. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the country’s leading dementia research charity, working to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a condition that affects nearly one million people in the UK.
To mark the challenge, she is inviting members of the public to join her for two key sections of the run. Supporters can run the first 10 kilometres of her second marathon, from Stoke Newington to Plaistow, meeting at the east entrance to Abney Park at 11.30am. A second opportunity comes at the start of her third marathon, from New Beckenham to Streatham Common, with runners asked to meet at Lennard Road Car Park near New Beckenham Station at 5.45pm.
GPS tracking will be available throughout the day so supporters can follow her progress as she travels clockwise around London.
Melissa said she hopes the challenge will not only raise money but also spark conversations about dementia and the need for continued research.
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