Spring Time Canal Canter 2026 | My First Ultramarathon

Spring Time Canal Canter 2026 | My First Ultramarathon

17th March 2026

Two years ago, I started running as a one-off favour to help my wife Sarah prepare for the York 10k. Now, at 50, I’ve completed my first ultramarathon. This video captures the journey through the It’s Grim Up North Springtime Canal Canter, covering 53km along the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath on a beautiful spring day, with sunshine, cool shade, and a biting wind to keep things interesting.

What makes this even more special is that this run took place on my old stomping ground in Leeds, where I grew up. A place full of memories, and now the setting for one of the biggest milestones of my life. A huge thank you to Gabe for travelling up from London and continuing to share these major milestones with me: first 10k, first half marathon, first marathon, and now first ultramarathon. And a massive thank you to Sarah, whose support and logistics made the whole day run so smoothly, as always.

What started in February 2024 as one small act of support has grown into something I never expected: three marathons in two weeks in 2025, fundraising linked to a Teenage Cancer Trust campaign that helped raise £1 million, a first ultramarathon, and a book on the way later this year called I’m Not A Runner.