Land’s End to John o’ Groats Cycle Record: Fastest Times, Legends & Milestones

Every serious cyclist in the UK knows the name “LEJOG” – the classic ride from Land’s End at the southern tip of Cornwall to John o’ Groats at the northeastern edge of Scotland. But while thousands ride it each year over a week or two, a few take it much, much further.

They race it.

In this post we explore the official Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycle record across various categories. From record-smashing solo rides to tandem triumphs, from first attempts in the 1800s to modern GPS-verified victories, this is a ride that captures the imagination of cyclists everywhere.

What is LEJOG?

LEJOG stands for Land’s End to John o’ Groats – a ride of around 840 to 880ish miles, depending on the chosen route. It’s the longest route between two inhabited points on the British mainland. Most riders complete the challenge in 10 to 14 days, enjoying scenic landscapes, friendly villages, and a personal test of endurance.

But for a select few, LEJOG is about speed, not sightseeing.

The First Timed Lands End to John o’ Groats Ride: 1886

The first officially recorded time for cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats dates back to 1886, a time when roads were barely more than dusty tracks and bicycles were strange contraptions with names like “penny-farthing” or “safety bicycle.”

That inaugural feat was completed by George Pilkington Mills, a 19-year-old with legs of steel and, presumably, an impressive mustache. He covered the route in 5 days and 1 hour, riding through a Britain unrecognizable to today’s cyclists. No GPS, no energy gels, and certainly no carbon fibre. Just grit, leather saddles, and the kind of Victorian stubbornness that could rival modern ultra-endurance riders.

Mills’ ride laid the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic endurance challenges in the UK, inspiring generations of cyclists to test themselves against the length of Great Britain – and sometimes, their own sanity.

The Land’s End to John o’ Groats Cycle Record (Male)

Michael Broadwith, a mathematics teacher and ultra-endurance cyclist, currently holds the Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycle record with an officially ratified time of 43h 25m 13s according to Guinness World Records. In June 2018, he shattered a record many thought unbeatable. He rode the 841-mile route in just over 43 hours, averaging an astonishing 19.4 mph. Battling sleep deprivation, erratic weather, and relentless gradients, Michael Broadwith pushed through with barely more than a few power naps. His ride wasn’t just fast – it was an exercise in mental resilience and precise planning. He dethroned Gethin Butler’s 2001 record, which had stood for 17 years.

The Land’s End to John o’ Groats Cycle Record (Female)

On 30 July 2021, Christina Mackenzie, hailing from the Isle of Lewis, took the women’s record with a stunning time of 51 hours, 5 minutes, and 27 seconds. She beat the previous 2002 record by over an hour, all while navigating not just the physical toll, but unpredictable UK summer weather. As a charity rider turned record-breaker, Mackenzie’s journey proved that sheer determination – and a healthy dose of Hebridean grit – can carry you across the country faster than most of us can binge-watch a Netflix series.

The Fastest Time LEJOG Tandem (Male)

Breaking a 49-year-old record isn’t just about speed – it’s about perseverance. In 2015, Dom Irvine and Charlie Mitchell covered the route in 45 hours and 11 minutes, obliterating the long-standing record set in 1966. It was a ride born of years of failed attempts, relentless training, and early morning turbo sessions. Their story isn’t just about statistics; it’s about camaraderie, near-freezing night rides, and chasing a dream until it becomes real – one Brooks saddle-sore mile at a time.

The Fastest Time LEJOG Tandem (Female)

In 2024, Hannah Fawcett and Ede Harrison teamed up on a tandem with a goal: sub-72 hours. They smashed it, completing LEJOG in 2 days, 18 hours, 49 minutes, and 52 seconds. Riding as a duo means double the coordination, double the trust, and sometimes double the bickering – but also double the triumph. These two not only proved the power of teamwork but added their names to a short and exclusive list of female tandem record-holders.

Land’s End to John o’ Groats Cycle Record Time for a Triplet Bicycle

You don’t see many triplet bikes on the road – for good reason. But in 2019, brothers Fergus and James Gilmour, along with their friend Harry Fildes, decided to ride LEJOG on one and set a Guinness World Record in the process. They finished in 6 days, 13 hours, and 30 minutes, all while raising funds for charity. It was more than a record – it was a comedy of saddle logistics, chain synchronicity, and more than a few shared “whose idea was this?!” moments.

Fastest Time Cycling LEJOG on a Brompton

In July 2022, James Stannard, a London-based cyclist and Brompton employee, embarked on a remarkable journey: cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats on a Brompton folding bike. Completing the 879-mile route in just 83 hours, he set a new fastest known time for this challenge on a folding bicycle, surpassing the previous record by over two days. Riding unsupported, Stannard faced diverse weather conditions, including a heatwave in southern England and heavy rain in Scotland. His achievement not only showcases the versatility of the Brompton but also highlights the potential of folding bikes in endurance cycling.

Fastest Time LEJOG for the Oldest Male Rider

At nearly 86, Alex Menarry didn’t just set out on a long bike ride – he made a statement. Over 17 steady days, he traversed the length of Great Britain, clocking in as the oldest man to complete the LEJOG route by bicycle. With a background in nuclear physics and a lifelong love of movement, Alex proved that mental grit and a stubborn sense of curiosity can outlast even the most relentless hills. His ride wasn’t about headlines or medals – just a personal goal quietly achieved with methodical pedal strokes and a twinkle of mischief in his eye.

Land’s End to John o’ Groats Cycle Record  for the Oldest Female Rider

When most people turn 81, they might treat themselves to a quiet afternoon and a few biscuits. Mavis Paterson had other plans. In 2019, she saddled up and rode across Britain – from the far southwest tip of England to the very top of Scotland – over the course of 23 days. What set Mavis apart wasn’t just her age (though she became the oldest woman to complete the route), but her determination to turn grief into action. Riding in memory of her children and raising funds for cancer support, she pedaled with a quiet strength that no headwind could stop. Her story is less about records and more about resilience – and the reminder that courage doesn’t retire.

TEAMMC Cycles’ Own Hero: Jon Halfhide

Not to be outdone by the record holders, TEAMMC’s very own Jon Halfhide tackled LEJOG unsupported in just 5.5 days. That’s right – Jon rode over 150 miles a day, surviving questionable weather, aggressive seagulls, and an alarming number of dates and flapjacks. With determination, high mileage legs, and perhaps a sprinkle of madness, he reminded us all what’s possible when you put your mind to a goal. Jon’s ride wasn’t just fast – it was epic.

Bonus: The Fastest Time Cycling LEJOGLE (Land’s End to John o’ Groats and Back)

Completing LEJOG is a feat. Turning around and doing it all again? That takes a whole different level of grit – and a bit of madness. Dr Sarah Ruggins, an endurance cyclist and NHS doctor, took on the mighty double and knocked it out in a jaw-dropping 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes. That’s nearly 1,700 miles of nonstop riding, crossing the entire UK and back with barely enough sleep to qualify as a nap. Her unofficial time beat the previous record by over six hours and smashed the women’s best by nearly five full days. With tracking data as her witness and determination in every crank of the pedals, Ruggins showed that endurance knows no boundaries – just a starting point, a turning point, and a whole lot of caffeine in between.

Why These Rides Matter

LEJOG is more than a ride – it’s a symbol of endurance, adventure, and community spirit. Riders face shifting weather conditions from the southwest to the highlands, endless climbs and descents and most likely suffer from sleep deprivation and mental fatigue. It’s not a walk in the park.

And yet, they persist. Whether for a world record or a personal goal, each rider writes their own chapter in a century-old story and has officially lifelong bragging rights.

Ready to Ride Long Distance Yourself?

Feeling inspired? Whether you want to simply complete the journey of a lifetime or experience the cameradie of the extreme challenge, join TEAMMC to train with like-minded people. Our very own Jon Halfhide supports all our local, national and international rides. Learn more here. Or come by our cycling café in Whitechapel, London and meet Jon for a chat.

Final Thoughts

The Land’s End to John o’ Groats cycle record may be out of reach for most – but the inspiration it provides is available to everyone. From 81-year-old fundraisers to elite racers, LEJOG proves that adventure knows no age, no limits, and no shortcuts.

Whatever your speed, the road is open.

Join us and start your story now.

🚴‍♂️ Happy Cycling! 🚴‍♀️