Martyn approaches 50 by taking on 50 runs

Approaching fifty years of age can be a daunting prospect for some, but Martyn Cassidy sees it as an opportunity to improve his fitness and support a worthy cause by running fifty races in a single year before his fiftieth birthday.

Quantity surveyor Martyn, admits to being a bit of a fast-food fan and wanted to mark the occasion by setting himself a challenge. His previous efforts were limited to the occasional running event despite being a runner for more than 18 years.

His yearlong plan includes tackling a mixture of road and trail runs covering a range of distances between 5k and Half Marathon, with a total distance of approximately 420km.

Whilst searching around for an appropriate cause to support, Martyn’s eldest daughter Rebecca, a student at Ashton on Mersey High School, told him about a talk by staff from Francis House and their work supporting the families of children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

The charity that has been in existence since 1990, seemed like the perfect fit for Martyn, as it continues to develop its services supporting local families and relies on charitable donations for much of its income.

Personal best

Martyn began his quest the day after his 49th birthday (June 29) with a 5km run around Media City UK.

He said: “This challenge has given me a chance to break the cycle of 18 years of entering one event, training for it but then slobbing about for the rest of the year and generally being unhealthy.

“I want to see what I’m capable of if I push myself just a little bit more. The results already have been noticeable. After just a few weeks I’m feeling fitter and healthier, and the races give me something exciting to look forward to each weekend. I’ve already set two new personal bests.”

Martyn, from Sale, has chosen events that are local to the northwest, but his race itinerary also includes travelling to Wales, Birmingham and even Alton Towers. Wife Sara has joined him on a number of his runs along with other family members and friends.

“My fantastic supportive family gifted me a medal rack for my 49th birthday which is already straining from the weight of all the shiny objects hanging from it as it sits proudly on the kitchen wall.

Julie Williams, fundraising officer of Francis House said: “It’s thanks to people like Martyn that we can continue to give families a break from their role as carers and the children and young people some independence and fun experiences – whether it’s in their own home or at the hospice.

“It’s lovely that Martyn has chosen to support Francis House after hearing about us at Rebecca’s school assembly. We wish him luck with the challenge and future races.”

Martyn shows no signs of stopping and has already clocked up almost 90kms of his 420km race schedule by completing 14 out of 50 runs.

His next event is the Cheshire Half Marathon at Capesthorne Hall on September 10 and Martyn is looking forward to ‘taking it up a notch’ with the first of five Half Marathons events.

He said: “The route seems flat and takes in some very pleasant countryside. I’m ready for the additional challenge. I have completed the Manchester Half Marathon a couple of times previously but I’ve never done more than one a year though before!”

To follow Martyn’s progress visit his fundraising page at Justgiving.com