Seven marathons.

Seven continents.

Seven days.

That’s what it takes to complete the Great World Race — and Jake Dunne didn’t just complete it. He made history.

By day, Jake is a meteorologist at KWCH 12. By night, and on weekends,  he’s a running coach, husband to his best friend Holly, and dad to two young adults “getting ready to conquer the world.”

“I have been an ‘okay’ athlete most of my life playing sports like soccer and football while also competing in weightlifting competitions and most recently running events,” Jake says.

“Okay” feels like an understatement.

A Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

On July 3, 2024, Jake suffered a mini-stroke.

“That was a wake-up call,” he says. “I decided right then, and right there - God willing - that if I made a full recovery I would complete the Great World Race… 7 marathons, on all 7 continents, in 7 days!”

And he did exactly that.

“Despite awful weather conditions, and a stress fracture during marathon number 5 (Portugal), I persevered and became the very first Kansan, and one of 453 males on the planet to complete the task!” 

Let that sink in.

First Kansan.

One of only 453 men worldwide.

That’s not just endurance. That’s grit, faith, and perspective shaped by adversity.

Why He Runs

When asked about his favorite activity to stay fit, Jake didn't hesitate:

“Running… and it’s not even close.”

His reasoning is refreshingly honest.

“I love food… and an occasional (or several) beer(s), and running keeps me fit while allowing me to enjoy some of the small pleasures in life.”

He also loves being outside.

“There is nothing that compares to an afternoon run in the sun on that first 70 degree day of the season.”

Kansas runners know exactly what he means.

His least favorite activity?

“Stretching!" he laughs. "And I don’t know why. I am fine running in the heat for several hours, but stretching for a few minutes? No thank you!”

The “Back Nine” Mindset

Jake recently turned 50, what he calls being on the “back nine.”

“It's simple. A body in motion stays in motion and now that I am on the ‘back nine,' I want to - make that, need to - keep moving and enjoy life to its fullest!”

That mindset fueled not just his recovery, but his comeback.

And when asked about his next goal?

“Don’t die!" he jokes. "Honestly… to get completely healthy again. Taking on something like the Great World Race, both training and the event, took a huge toll on my body and I strive to return to 100%.”

Once he’s fully healthy?

“My goal, I guess, is to run a marathon in all 50 states. I will only achieve that goal with the help of awesome doctors and trainers like Allison Bullinger.”

More Than a Runner

Jake is also the Vice President and Coach of TJ’s Running, which he proudly calls “the BEST running FAMILY in the city of Wichita.”

That word, family, says everything about how he approaches fitness and leadership.

Fun fact: Jake once held the Wichita Northwest High School bench press record in his weight class for over 25 years. Strength has always been part of his story; it just looks different now.

And something he’s always wanted to try?

“Skydiving. I am afraid of heights, but I love speed and I believe this would help me get over a fear while having fun.”

After seven marathons on seven continents… skydiving might actually sound relaxing.

His Advice

"Stay the course!"

"We all want immediate gains, success, etc. but remember… the easier it is to achieve a goal, the easier it is lose it. On the other hand, the harder it is to reach something you strive for, the harder it is to lose it.”

That perspective wasn’t built in comfort.

It was built in recovery rooms.

On injured legs.

In brutal weather.

Across continents.

Jake’s story isn’t just about finishing a race.

It’s about answering a wake-up call.

It’s about faith.

It’s about resilience.

It’s about continuing to move and inspiring others, especially when life tries to make you press pause.