Running for Greatness: Tom Stott

As this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run weekend approaches – we’re shining a spotlight on some of our inspiring participants who are running for more than the medal when they lace up their trainers on the 18th May.

Meet Tom, a 30 year old from Macclesfield, taking on an extraordinary challenge to run 10km every day for 500 days in order to break the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive 10km runs, which currently stands at 365 days.

The reason – not just to break the record but to use the profile of his challenge to raise awareness and funds for MIND. This is a cause close to his heart after they supported Tom, and his family, through his own dark days caused by his gambling addiction which started at just 16 years old. He attributes his improved mental health and abstinence to his family’s support, GA and MIND charity.

Tom says, ‘Running has been a lifeline for me, helping to manage my mental health through the release of endorphins and has provided a structured, positive focus.’  He first got into running at Cheshire High School, The Fallibroome Academy, representing the county at 400m, as a footballer Tom continued to use running to aid his fitness goals to improve his game. When lockdown in 2020 put a stop to team sports Tom turned solely to running, saying ‘I used the time alone to get fit road running. I ended up running 5k every day for 92 days consecutively.’

Explaining what motivates him to run day after day Tom says ‘I really enjoy being competitive with myself. Trying to beat previous PB’s. I also enjoy the time out on my own exercising, it gives me time to think.’ Going on to explain what running gives him that is so unique he says, ‘I don’t need to rely on anybody or anything to go on a run. I run if it snows, rains, or is sunny. I don’t need money to run. I just put my trainers on, whatever the time/ weather, and just get out on the roads.’

On the 18^th May at the Great Manchester Run Tom will complete his 272^nd of 500 consecutive 10km runs, although running in the half marathon, as long as he completes the first 10km in under 90 minutes, a run of any distance counts towards his world record attempt.

Tom hopes to prove to others the power of perseverance when it comes to overcoming mental health struggles. When asked for words of wisdom for other fellow participants and Tom summed it up beautifully with three top tips, ‘Pace yourself, enjoy the experience and soak up the atmosphere.’ – we couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Be part of the action! Places for the 10K, Half Marathon and Junior & Mini kids events are expected to sell out in advance once again, so act fast to secure your spot on the start line.