John Lees

John Lees, born in Hove, Sussex, England in 1945, is a retired sports journalist who holds the record for completing the fastest coast-to-coast walk across the United States.

Despite having asthma, he walked the length of Britain from Land's End at the southwestern tip of England to John o' Groats at the northeastern tip of Scotland in 1971. His walk covered 981 miles in 26½ days.

He returned to New York City Hall to mark the 30th anniversary of his endurance walk. The visit was covered by BBC Southern Counties Radio.

Lees is a keen birdwatcher.