Liam’s lockdown running challenge helps those affected by cancer

Lockdown restrictions and providing frontline support for students during the pandemic have not stopped Liam Walker from completing a month-long marathon challenge in memory of his grandfather. 

Dedicated University of Cumbria alumnus Liam Walker has clocked up a total of 412 miles (over 660 kilometres), more than 72 hours of running, and raised over £700 by completing 28 half marathons in the 28 days of February. 

All monies raised are going to help those affected by cancer.  

Liam, from Barrow and studied in Lancaster, completed many of his runs in split sessions.  

Regularly pounding the streets before dawn, Liam endured 5am starts to fit in the necessary miles each day around his full-time job as an accommodation services officer at a Sheffield university. He also consumed in excess of 3,000 calories daily to maintain his energy levels. 

The February feat is one of a series of charity, sporting and virtual challenges Liam is doing to raise funds for #TeamBrian, set up in memory of his grandfather who died in November 2019 following his brave battle with liver cancer. 

Liam, a coaching and sports performance alumnus who studied at the University of Cumbria’s campus in Lancaster, admits his training plan for the recent challenge was far from ideal. 

“This was way beyond any running distance I’d managed to do in the last 11 months combined, so it has really pushed me both physically and mentally,” said Liam, who also worked for the University of Cumbria Students’ Union. 

“The longevity and monotony of the challenge was a huge hurdle. Mentally it was very tough to complete. I knew I couldn’t have a rest day, do a few intervals or a smaller 5K run, yet it has also been rewarding in so many ways.  

“I’ve been blessed with some spectacular views and rewarded with the knowledge that I’ve had the unwavering support of my partner, family and everyone who is helping to raise money for what is truly a great cause.” 

Liam, who is starting a new job in Leeds with the NHS, will be taking on the Ironman UK challenge later this year as well as the Everesting Holme Moss in West Yorkshire, 24 Hour Conti Thunderrun and Manchester Marathon. 

Liam is a member of the University of Cumbria’s Alumni Association after graduating in 2010. He later served as an officer at the University of Cumbria Students’ Union before eventually relocating to Yorkshire. 

Donate, support and follow Liam’s cancer charity challenges at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teambrian2021