Going the Extra Mile: Buitelaar Farming Partner Takes on 52 Half Marathons in 52 Weeks for Farming Mental Health

Buitelaar’s longstanding Project Regen Farming Partner, Ed Riley, is taking on an extraordinary challenge: running 52 half marathons in 52 weeks to raise money and awareness for farming mental health charity, We Are Farming Minds. With 42 runs already completed, Ed is approaching the finish line of a challenge that has tested his determination, resilience and ability to balance life on the farm.

From Wellies to Running Trainers

No stranger to a challenge, Ed has previously completed the Three Peaks Challenge, run marathons and even cycled from London to Paris in just 24 hours. However, his latest challenge is undoubtedly one of his biggest yet.

The idea came about almost by accident. After training for a race in December 2025, Ed had built up to running half marathon distances. Having completed another 13.1 miles in the first week of January, he began to wonder whether he could repeat the distance every weekend for an entire year.

And so, the challenge began.

"I've always enjoyed a challenge," Ed explains. "I ran another half marathon in the first week in January and thought, I just wonder if I can do it every weekend for a year. And now I'm here!"

While Ed has always enjoyed sport, running became an important part of his routine following his retirement from rugby. It offered an opportunity to maintain his fitness and, importantly, take some time away from the demands of farming.

With plenty of footpaths and beautiful countryside on his doorstep, Ed has made the most of his surroundings, tackling challenging cross-country routes and hilly terrain throughout the year.

Balancing Farming, Family and 13.1 Miles Every Weekend

Running a half marathon is no small undertaking. Running one every weekend for an entire year, alongside the responsibilities of managing a farm and raising a family, is another challenge entirely.

"Training has been very tough. Juggling the farm workload at different times of the year, family life and the running has certainly kept me busy!" says Ed.

During quieter periods, Ed aims to run two or three times a week. However, when farming commitments increase, particularly during the busiest times of the agricultural calendar, his training has sometimes been limited to the weekend half marathon itself.

Despite the physical demands, Ed has managed to remain largely injury-free, although he jokes that his knees might have a different opinion!

To maintain motivation, he has entered organised races approximately every eight to ten weeks, giving himself smaller goals to work towards along the way.

One of his most memorable moments came in June, when he reached the halfway point.

"I can remember after week three thinking, only 49 more weeks to go, which was a bit daunting! But as time has gone on, it's been focusing on getting every week done and dusted and onto the next."

Running for a Cause Close to Home

While the physical achievement is remarkable, Ed's motivation goes far beyond completing the distance. Having experienced the loss of friends within the farming community, Ed wanted to use his challenge to support a cause that is particularly close to his heart.

"Mental health is a problem in farming as it's long hours and extremely challenging, especially in today's climate. Having known and lost friends in our community, I couldn't think of a better charity to choose."

Ed is raising money for We Are Farming Minds, a charity dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across the agricultural community.

The charity provides vital support through a 24-hour helpline, access to funded counselling and community training to improve mental health awareness.

For Ed, raising awareness and encouraging people to talk openly about their mental health is just as important as the money raised.

"Long hours and long days, which often involve working alone, are difficult, especially in today's climate where there is so much uncertainty. Knowing someone is there to talk to is vitally important. No matter how big or small, it's good to talk."

The Importance of Farming Communities

Farming can be an isolating profession, with long working hours and the pressures of running an agricultural business often leaving limited opportunities to socialise.

Ed believes that community groups and local initiatives can make a real difference by bringing people together and creating opportunities for conversation.

He highlights a local initiative known as the 'Butty Van', organised by the church community, as a great example. Once a month, around 40 to 50 local residents, including farmers and non-farmers, gather at a local farm to enjoy a bacon sandwich and a conversation. "It's been a huge success," Ed explains. From Young Farmers' Clubs to local farmer cluster groups, Ed believes that connecting with people who understand the challenges of farming can play an important role in supporting wellbeing.

The Final Countdown: 3 January 2027

With 42 half marathons completed and just 10 remaining at the time of speaking to Ed, the finish line is finally in sight.

Ed is due to complete his final half marathon on 3 January 2027, marking an incredible year of determination and commitment. And while he's still planning his final route, there's one thing he hopes will make the occasion particularly special.

"I'd love to go over the finish with my three children, who have always crossed the finish line whenever I've done a race."

Having recently launched his JustGiving page, Ed is now encouraging people to support the challenge, whether through a donation or simply by sharing his story.

"I haven't really set a target, but the more we can raise, the better! It would be amazing to raise awareness as well as some money for this charity. I would love it to make a difference!"

 

Supporting Those Who Feed the Nation

At Buitelaar Group, we're proud to work alongside farming partners like Ed, whose commitment extends beyond their own farms to supporting the wider agricultural community.

Ed's challenge is a powerful reminder of the importance of looking out for one another, recognising the pressures facing those working in agriculture and ensuring that conversations around mental health continue.

We wish Ed the very best of luck as he approaches his final 10 half marathons and encourage our colleagues, customers and wider farming community to get behind his fundraising efforts.

Support Ed's challenge

Every donation, no matter how small, can help We Are Farming Minds continue its important work supporting the agricultural community.

Donate to Ed's JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/page/ed-riley-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Find out more about We Are Farming Minds: www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk