A man from Ellesmere Port is aiming for triple road race glory in aid of our hospices.

And what's even more incredible is that Wade Kelly had never been running up until six months ago.

On October 8th, he will tackle the 26 mile MBNA Chester Marathon and attempt to secure a coveted Chester Triple medal having already gained silverware from the MBNA Chester 10k and ESSAR Chester Half Marathons.

All three events in the Roman city are hosted and organised by Active Leisure Events who have kindly adopted us as their charity of the year.

Wade Kelly, 25, from Ellesmere Port with his two previous road race medals is going for the Chester Triple

Wade said: “I’m not really a runner.

“I hit a rough patch a while ago and had a period of being lazy and never really doing anything active.

“I needed something to motivate me and thought stepping out of my comfort zone for a really good cause would be ideal.”

Inspirational effort

Wade’s inspirational effort is made more remarkable by the fact he completed the 10k and half marathon on very little training.

“I joined the gym a few months ago to help prepare but I think I did about four training runs for the 10k and maybe six for the half marathon,” he said.

“I remember coming into the last two miles of the half marathon and I felt I was going to be sick, but I pushed through and made it.”

The Active Leisure Events team who host the runs are proud charity partners

Training around his job as a barman at the popular Mowgli restaurant in Cheshire Oaks, Wade has been putting in more miles for the marathon and has done the 16k from home to work.

“I’m a bit nervous,” he said.

“I’ve never pushed myself this hard physically before but am looking forward to the challenge and know I’ll get a boost on the day from the atmosphere plus friends and colleagues.”

Active Leisure's Event Director, Callum Shield said: “We're completely overwhelmed by the volume of charity runners we have taking part in the MBNA Chester Marathon & Metric Marathon, thank you. 

“Also a huge good luck to Wade and all of those aiming for the illustrious Chester Triple Medal, we'll be cheering you home at the finish line.”

Cheering him on

Hope House Tŷ Gobaith volunteers help staff the Chester series of races

Fundraiser Nicola Eyes is backing Wade's effort and said: “Wade has taken on an immense challenge by doing all Active Leisure runs for 2023.

“The amount of training needed for a marathon is heroic.

“The training is lonely and mentally draining but the day itself really is the lap of honour.

“We take our hats off to Wade and his achievements for Hope House and we will be there cheering him every step of the way.”

Wade will be raising money via Mowgli's charitable venture The Mowgli Trust who are also great supporters of ours.

Sponsor Wade here