A man attempting to complete a marathon in every English city over the course of a year in support of a cancer charity is gearing up to run in Salford this Saturday.
Adam Rodriguez, 28, began the gruelling challenge in July to raise money for Move Against Cancer – an organisation that provides people with cancer training to help them build strength, improve well-being and regain control through physical activity.
The runner was inspired to run a marathon in each of England’s 55 cities after his mother, Sharon, had overcome large B-cell lymphoma in three places.
Adam explained that his challenge pales in comparison to the toll cancer took on his mother.
He said: “A few years ago, my mother bravely battled large B-cell lymphoma in 3 places, and while she survived, the journey tested every part of our family.
“A reminder of the quiet, relentless strength it takes to face cancer, not just for those diagnosed but for everyone who loves them. I’m passionate about trying to raise money for Move Against Cancer because they bring hope, movement and community to people navigating the weight of cancer, reminding us that no one goes through it alone.
“I’m doing this challenge to see every corner of England, to test both my body and my mind, and to embrace the adventure that comes with pushing beyond comfort – one marathon, one city, and one story at a time”.
Adam works full-time, so he has to run marathons on weekends and measures the distance he runs on a fitness tracker device.
He is from Bath and said the charitable endeavour has brought him to places in the country he otherwise would not have visited – like Salford.
“This challenge has already taken me to parts of the country I’d never have seen otherwise,” he highlighted.
“The encouragement from Move Against Cancer’s ambassadors along the way has been a real lift. It’s an honour to meet participants and ambassadors in different parts of the country.
“These are the people creating community, encouragement and strength at a local level and I’m excited to hear their stories, share the miles with them and highlight the real impact Move Against Cancer is making on the ground.”
The marathons are going well so far, but the real challenge is the recovery, especially on the few weekends where he’s got two marathons back to back.
“The funny thing about marathon training is, no matter how hard you go at it, 26.2 miles always finds a way to humble you,” Adam explained.
“I’m having to be super sensible with how I train, fuel and rest, even if my legs would prefer a lie-down and a cuppa. Add in the joy of British weather and the odd city that feels more like a mountain range, and it’s shaping up to be quite the adventure.”
Adam’s mum, Sharon, is thrilled about her son’s forthcoming marathon adventure. “Adam loves a challenge. I have every faith he will complete this and look forward to watching his journey.
Move Against Cancer’s Fundraising Officer Sophie Mulligan feels that Adam’s commitment is hugely admirable.
“He’s given up a whole year of weekends to take on this epic challenge and to do it in support of Move Against Cancer means so much to us,” she said.
More information about Move Against Cancer and Adam’s fundraiser is availible here.
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