Marathon runner with down syndrome to start 100K challenge at Cardiff Half
Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old marathon runner with Down syndrome from Chirk, North Wales, is running 100K over one week to raise £10,000 for Mencap, a charity which supports the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and their families.
The challenge will start on Sunday 6 October with Michael taking part in the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon and end on Sunday 13 October as he completes the Manchester Half Marathon. In between the two half marathons, Michael will travel to up to 13 local Mencap groups across Wales and run or walk between 5-10K with each of them.
Every penny raised by Michael will go towards funding Mencap’s life-changing work to help people with a learning disability lead happy and healthy lives. On top of raising money, Michael is running to raise awareness for local Mencap groups and to encourage people with a learning disability to get moving.
Michael is a Mencap Myth Buster – one of a group of people who are living life with a learning and physical disability and campaigning for change. He has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and was the first person with Down syndrome from Wales to run the London Marathon. Michael took on both the Virtual London Marathon in 2020, and the in-person London Marathon in 2021, and raised just under £5,000 to support people with a learning disability across the UK.
Michael said: “I’m so excited to raise money for Mencap by doing something different and to get other people with a learning disability moving — whether it’s walking, being in nature, or just staying active. I’ve been training every day to build up my stamina, and I can’t wait to take on this challenge!”
Mary O’Hagan, Interim Executive Fundraising Director at Mencap said: “We are inspired by Michael’s dedication in taking on this remarkable 100K challenge. His commitment not only raises awareness but also ensures that people with a learning disability in the UK can lead happy and healthy lives. The funds Michael raises will directly support Mencap’s work, including our efforts to campaign for the rights of people with a learning disability. We are cheering him on every step of the way and wish him the best of luck!”
