Runner’s Story: Michael Graham

Runner’s Story: Michael Graham

‘’Being active helps me maintain a healthy weight. Once you’ve completed a 5K, 10K or more you feel a great sense of achievement!

Michael Graham, 48, from Mottram in Longdendale, completed the full 2021 Tour of Tameside. After witnessing friends who had ran the tour on behalf of his charity Reuben’s Retreat over the years and hearing the great feedback on how challenging but exhilarating it was, he decided to put on his running shoes and sign up for the full weekend.

‘’My favourite part was reaching the end of each race! No…not really….I loved the camaraderie between all runners, regardless of everyone’s abilities. The 2nd race

finishes in the evening and the half marathon starts in the morning meaning not much time to recuperate but I relished in this as part of the challenge and loved it! The support from volunteers, friends and people stood outside their houses cheering us on kept me motivated and smiling throughout it all!’’

Michael ran the tour in memory of his son Reuben, who sadly lost his life in 2012.  He raised money for Reuben’s Retreat, a charity named in honour of Reuben, that supports and helps relieve the distress of families who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child suffering from a complex illness.

‘’I did this for my boy Reuben who moved to heaven at 23 months old and will be 11 years old on 10th September. No matter how slow my little legs ran up the Hell on the Fell I just knew not to stop and keep running. And I did. I’m massively proud of this’’

We asked Michael what training advice for others he had and why being active is important to him;

‘’I made a personal commitment to myself not to stop at any time and to just keep running. It worked for me! I drank plenty of water too which was given on every route and stretched before and after each race – I found it really helped!

For me personally, running gives me the opportunity to think about ideas for work, personal life, our charity, future holidays (I work in the world of travel!) It helps me maintain a healthy weight and although I may not always feel like a run, once you’ve completed a 5K, 10K or more you feel a great sense of achievement!’’

Michael is eager to get into training and sign up again for the full 2022 Tour of Tameside!

‘’To be a part of something so truly special is addictive! I believe the Running Bee events are the friendliest races in the UK and the organisers make sure everything is spot on….thank you for making each one a unique and fun experience.’’

We look forward to welcoming Michael back next year!

To take on a challenge, run and raise money for a charity close to your heart, book your place for next year’s tour now via our events calendar here!