We are delighted to welcome Special Olympics athlete Michael Beynon to our event on Sunday 13th October – with the 13.1 mile feat serving as an epic finale to an impressive charity challenge.

Although Michael is already an accomplished athlete (also being the first man in Wales with Down Syndrome to run a marathon) the 29 year old’s challenge will put him through his paces… Michael plans to run 100km from his home in Wales across one week, kicking off on 6th October and ending at the buzzing Manchester Half finisher line just 7 days later.

Michael, who is also visually impaired and has mild left sided Cerebral Palsy, will be raising money for Mencap, a charity who support people with learning disabilities. Michael told us more about the challenge:

“Every year I take on a challenge for charity. This year I decided to raise money for Mencap, as I am a Mencap Myth Buster and because I received amazing support from Mencap last year after a very difficult episode in my life”.

The first 60km of Michael’s challenge will be joined by individuals from his 13 local Mencap charities in Wales. As a Mencap Myth Buster, Michael works with the charity to break down misconceptions about people with learning disabilities. 

Michael went on to tell us about his excitement to take on the Manchester Half:

“I’m really looking forward to crossing the finishing line of the Manchester Half at Old Trafford, as it will be the end of my 100km Challenge.  I have heard that the route is flat – which is great for me as a visually impaired runner – and that the crowds are amazing all the way around. 

Also, my support runner ran the race last year and she loved every minute so I am looking forward to it”.

We’ll be checking in with Michael closer to the time of the event but in the meantime, you can sponsor him on his JustGiving page here.