I am about to embark on my year of (organised) running.

I am going to run 12 half marathons – one per month – starting later in September 2026 with the Robin Hood half in Nottingham. There’s potential for a special 13th, too – the Great North Run in September 2027, which will be a particularly fun one. I have entered the ballot (it’s very popular!)… I’ll find out in a couple of weeks.

I am going to do this all to fundraise for Margaret Haes Riding Centre (MHRC)

MHRC are local to where we live – near Ramsbottom, north of Manchester. They are a horse-riding charity that supports disabled children and adults. They provide opportunities to get out and about in the hills and fresh air, riding, and learning about horses.

In their own words:

“We bring the ‘Spirit of the Horse’ to some of the most vulnerable people, through our programmes of riding; equine care; and social connection. Horses touch the lives of people, helping them to heal and to embrace the new and the possible. Our purpose is to empower children and adults with learning disabilities, physical and mental health disabilities, and emotional and social challenges; to lead active, healthy and fulfilling lives through equestrian activities. To have a positive impact on the health and well-being for all our riders and volunteers.

We enable people with disabilities to experience the enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement, through participation in equestrian activities in an inclusive and integrated environment. There is much evidence to show that riding produces physical improvements such as increased core strength, better co-ordination, improved mobility and an overall increase in fitness. Knowing our vulnerable clients personally, we see more confidence, greater self-awareness, improved communication skills and overall more positive and beneficial states of mind.”

I know that any and all donations will be greatly appreciated from the team there.

For the running, my booked plan is:

• 27 Sept 2026: Robin Hood HM (Nottingham, bit hilly)

• 11 Oct 2026: North West Coast HM (Preston to Lytham, ish)

• 8 Nov 2026: Tatton Park HM (see the deer)

• 20 Dec 2026: Holme Pierrepont HM (this is the UK National Water Sports Centre, nr Nottingham)

• 03 Jan 2027: Aintree Racecourse HM (laps, bit boring, hopefully not too cold)

• 21 Feb 2027: Media City HM (flat around the quays)

• 21 March 2027: Cheshire HM (mercifully flat, and local)

• 10 April 2027: Monsal Trail HM, Peak District (includes running a tunnel and a viaduct)

• 23 May 2027: AJ Bell Manchester HM (same one I did this year!)

• 13 June 2027: Ramathon HM, Derby (see Pride Park, if that floats your boat)

• 18 July 2027: Carlisle HM (a flat-ish lapper)

• XX Aug 2027: Newark HM (not open for bookings just yet).

• 13 Sept 2027: Great North Run, Newcastle (the televised beast - fingers crossed!)

If you know any of these, you’ll see that I’ve been googling “flat half marathons uk”! Evidently I have a preference for my own bed, too.

PBs not promised, but I will put in maximum effort. When you see me running to work down the Bury New Road at 5am, you’ll know why.

I’ll post pictures after each race, so you can track the state of me.