Mike, otherwise known for his efforts at the Cardiff Half Marathon running dressed as Robin, represents the fun nature of our events at Run 4 Wales. We spoke to Mike about some of his favourite memories over the 10 years of us delivering events in Wales:
What are your favourite moments with R4W?
I have many great memories from competing at Run 4 Wales events, from winning my first road Welsh title at Teifi 10mile in 2013, to running for Wales at the World Half Marathon Championships which was incorporated into Cardiff Half Marathon in 2017. However, the stand out memory has to be running the streets of Cardiff with Carwyn Jones as Batman and Robin. The support we had before and after the event was incredible, and all for a great cause.
What is your favourite R4W race?
The crowd support at Cardiff Half, particularly around Roath Lake, makes that my favourite race.
What are your personal bests?
10K: 30.12
Half Marathon: 66.09
Marathon: 2.18.54
Any stories on your running for Wales?
Running for Wales has always been a great honour. It’s given me the chance to see so many countries and make so many lifelong friends. For that, I will always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.
Running is a sport that seems to attract the best people, and that has always been evident when running for Wales in the way everyone bonds. Whilst running at the World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff in 2017, I got a mere 3 miles in before I decided I’d overcooked it and I was going to DNF. I was just about to sit down on a curb when Carwyn Jones, who would run as Batman the following year, grabbed me as he ran past and insisted I jump in with him. After a mile or so I was back into a rhythm and was able to push on to run a PB. Running often is a team sport.