In this poignant, touching and stirring interview, Raj Mahapatra explains how running helps him cope with one of the most debilitating conditions.
In an attempt to do Raj justice, I’m writing this pretty much as the conversation between us went. Really hope you get some insight, awareness and encouragement from this 
Raj Mahapatra on Lakeland 100 2015
Where do we even start Raj? How about barefoot running?
Barefoot running was the revelation for me. It happened after failing the BG 7 years ago when I analysed what happened and why I hadn’t finished. I’d used cushioned shoes by a major brand and ultimately switched to VIVO BAREFOOT shoes. It was a case of transitioning over a 3 year period and adjusting to 1 mile a day when I’d previously been running 15.
So you totally committed to barefoot?
Yes. You can’t go barefoot for running only, otherwise your feet won’t adapt properly. My foot arch came back through extensive use over a sustained period of adjustment. Barefoot affects everything you do and the way your whole body moves. For that I have to thank Paul Tierney who gave me some really sound advice when I needed it – and ‘Barefoot Aleks‘ who is a real inspiration. VIVOBAREFOOT have been a revelation. Even my son (18) is doing the Lakeland 50 in VIVOBAREFOOT this year.
Barefoot Aleks, Raj, Paul Tierney at Moot Hall
Completed BG for Raj: 23hrs 51 mins 39s
So going barefoot affects the whole body. Can you briefly describe your condition please?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis, mainly affecting the spine. Inflammation occurs around the spine where the ligaments or tendons attach to the bone. It often starts at the bottom of the spine in the sacroiliac joints but can happen anywhere in the spine. Over time this repeated inflammation can lead to further bone formation and the vertebrae may fuse together.
At the moment it takes an average 8.5 years to get a diagnosis of AS. So our work at National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) is about raising awareness of this awful condition. AS is still largely unknown although it affects 200,000 in the UK. To put it into context, in the UK just over 100,000 people suffer with MS, which many have heard of. If more people knew about AS that 8.5 year delay to diagnosis, and therefore access to treatment, would drop.
Simon Armitage poem about AS
When did you discover you had AS?
When I was 21, after years of not knowing what was going on! It typically takes 8.5 years for AS to be diagnosed, even though it’s at its most aggressive during the first 10 years. In my case, with the benefit of hindsight, I had been displaying symptoms since I was 16, but it was 5 years until I was diagnosed. When I finally had my diagnosis, I had no way of searching online for information at that time. There was no Google! In total I had 15 years of no running: Crutches for 3 years; walking stick for 2 years and constant failure from then on.
On diagnosis I was told, like all AS patients, not to run and to do moderate exercise. I was also told that it looked like my AS was fairly active and I would probably be in a wheelchair within 10 years.
Goodness me! How did you respond to that?
Well I’d always run and competed nationally in my youth, prior to the onset of AS. We’re designed to move and I was determined to stay active if I could. AS is a spectrum condition and I know I have it easier than some for whom running would be impossible. I’m intrigued to know “What I can throw at my body? How much can it take?”.
So you decide to do THE MONTANE ® Spine ® Fusion?!
Yes – and the Lakeland 100 within a month of that! For THE MONTANE ® Spine ® Fusion my main intention is to finish the 268 mile course within the 7 day cut off. I hope to get a good time too but that’s not the important thing. Spine fusion happens through AS and this race was too good an opportunity to pass up. I approached Scott Gilmour, one of the Race Directors, about NASS being the official charity partner and he was very supportive of this.
For the Lakeland 100 this will be my third year so I’m striving for the ‘500 up’ trophy.
What drives you?
Since my 1st BG attempt, I have never again DNFd. In fact my outlook now is that you don’t ‘DNF’, you ‘RTC’ (refuse to continue). It’s a much healthier way to look at ultra running and life in general. Whenever I have hit thatpoint in a race I have asked myself, “Are you refusing to continue?” I’ve never replied, “Yes” to that but there are challenges yet!
The ultimate catalyst was reading Feet In The Clouds. I asked, “What was it about mountain running that enables people with conditions like arthritis to run for hours and hours over such rough terrain?”. Many people with AS can barely move and that is a worst case scenario. Other AS ‘sufferers’ like me are pushing the limit of what has been traditionally thought as possible with this condition. There is an international community of people with AS who ultra run and, in fact, there is a group of US runners looking to do the Spine ® Fusion alongside me.
Ultimately, I get out running to manage the pain and having the goal of events like THE MONTANE ® Spine ® Fusion give me a positive goal to focus on. And the Peaks Sky Ultra is a possible target for 2018.
How do you go from learning to run again to completing the most challenging Ultras?
By exercising daily many things become available to you. Running is not only my medication, but also my meditation and I have been able to access more than I thought possible. I celebrate the pain of an ultra as it creates ‘good’ pain that I’m in control of. AS is bad pain. For me, that low point in a race when you’re so low you feel you can’t do any more…That’s pain I’ve created and it attracts my brain so stops me thinking about AS.
I like the isolation of running. It’s positive and meditative for me. There is so much in this country to explore.
What do you think is behind the growth of events like Ultras?
I now coach runners twice a week and a couple of them normalise ‘stupidity’ – the idea that running so far can’t be good for the body. Our cultural reference point has shifted. A marathon used to be insane and now that’s much more mainstream. Ultras are growing and that can only be good.
Raj BG Approaching Steel Fell
Raj BG – Harrison Stickle
Raj BG – Dropping from High Raise towards Thunacarr Knott
Raj BG – Dawn
Inspirational quote before last leg of BG
Raj BG Final Peak – Robinson
Who inspires you?
Well I have an incredibly understanding and patient wife and family. In terms of running, there are so many. I love how Barefoot Aleks related to his environment. For me, Aleks and his blog sum up what adventuring is all about. Also George Bate of TheRunningCharity. Their work in helping the homeless is incredible. Through running, they provide some structure, help raise self-esteem. Also Jasmin Paris who through her own feats and support of others demonstrates what a privilege it is to be part of the running community. That is what trail running is all about. There is no elitism on the start line of a trail race. It’s so much more like real life than road running. Often someone will sacrifice their own race to help another person in need. On my BG last year, some many amazing runners came out to support me, GB and Irish internationals, 100 mile race winners, successful BGers and aspiring fell runners. It was a microcosm of what trail running is!
On the Ultimate Trails event, Graham Patten gave a really moving briefing before we all headed off. He said “On this you’re all marshalls. Look out for each other. What we’re doing is inherently dangerous.” He’s absolutely right. Doing an ultra you can go for 5 hours without seeing anyone else in the night (I did on the Cotswold Way) and that really strips you down.
The Running Charity
How would you like to finish off?
Just to say that I’d love to inspire people to transform their life by taking control of their health – if they can
Raj Mahapatra & most of his BG team
A brief note from me… I hope you enjoyed reading this post. I have to say, it was very moving and humbling to meet and interview Raj. To say he has inspired me is an understatement!
Yours in sport
To say I was over the moon to receive the “Trail Running Magazine Best Reader Blog Award” is an understatement! When Editor, Claire Maxted emailed me to confirm I was doing somersaults (in my head anyway!). Â It was a good job she asked me to keep some of the news quiet for a few days
Evidently they loved my “concise style, entertaining writing and variety of subjects covered.” To be complemented on your writing in this way is awesome. Thank you so much Claire and the entire Trail Running mag team
For that I have to sincerely thank all the people I’ve interviewed since launching this site in Mar/Apr 2015:
Jill Butterworth, Lana Jane, Robbie Britton, Suzanne Stolberg, Nicky Spinks, Sarah Morton, Renee McGregor, Graham Patten, Dom Williams. You’ve all shared amazing insights and experiences.
So now I can say exercise and blogging truly lift me. I hope your running and any blogs you read continue to lift you. Keep exploring and enjoy
Trail Running Magazine is the leading off-road running publication. If features gear reviews, event listings, runner interviews and much much more. Latest issue is in newsagents. Or you can subscribe here.
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Graham, you’re probably best known for the Lakeland Trails. What is the ethos behind these?
I started the Lakeland Trails in 2004 out of sheer frustration – I’d been moaning for years that our area of the world (the Lake District) didn’t have comparable events to the all inclusive, European mountain trail running scene. I’d been lucky enough to run in some amazing trail running events all over the world, and wanted to bring something similar to the Lakes. It just so happened that I’d reached that age when competitive running was losing it’s appeal, and I wasn’t interested in chasing veteran classes. I was working part time as an Optometrist and had time on my hands, so I thought I’d put something back into the sport that has given me so much pleasure. I tried to bring all the best bits from my years of international running experiences into family friendly, festival trail running events.
The first event in 2004 had just 80 competitors, this year over 11,000 competitors will take part in our Lakeland Trails and Ultimate Trails events.
What do you think is behind the surge in Trail Running participation?
What’s really surprising to me is that it took so long! The trail running scene had been huge everywhere else in the world for more than 30 years even before I started the Lakeland Trails. I guess us Brits take some time to adapt to new things and I’m as guilty as anyone – I spent years making fun of people walking and running with poles and now I use them all the time! Now the big brands are pushing their trail running product, it looks like there will be even more growth in the near future. 
Once runners get off road, appreciate the beauty of running in our natural environment, then it’s understandable that they seldom return to the mass participation road races chasing times.
Yes indeed, I myself was hooked after doing the Helvellyn 15km
Give us some behind-the-scenes Race Director insight on event day.
Each one is different, as our events take place throughout the year and move around to different locations. Being based in the Lake District, the biggest single factor for us is the weather conditions leading up to and on event day – we base every event on the maxim “plan for a hurricane, expect a heat wave”.
We also have a great team involved with the Lakeland Trails events – many are volunteers and some have been involved since we started 12 years ago! My role is really like the conductor of an orchestra – I’m there at the front, but I’m sure they could play just as well without me. Everyone knows their role inside out and I just let everyone get on with it. At some events we have over 100 marshals, stewards, volunteers, event crew etc to manage, so it’s important to have really good systems in place.
I only have limited insight having volunteered for the Ullswater 14km. How does being Race Director differ to your previous life as an international orienteer and mountain runner?
Organising and delivering an event as a Race Director is exactly the same as the preparations used when training for a big International running competition. Making a comprehensive plan beforehand, making sure everything is covered down to the smallest detail in good time before the event – this follows very similar lines to an elite training programme. Even “tapering” in the days before an event, taking time out on the hills, so I’m well rested mentally to deal with any “wild cards” often imposed by the weather. Once you know all the hard work’s been done and nothing has been left to chance, you can get on with enjoying the event and making sure you put on the best show possible. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy a few well earned beers before the process starts all over again!
Picture from mirror.co.uk 10.09.15
Any amazing runner stories you could share from participants of Lakeland Trails or Ultimate Trails?
Yes, there are loads. There’s one happening right now. Rich Walker, a member of Kendal Mountain Rescue, three years ago helped with marshalling our Staveley event (the event supports the KMR financially). He really enjoyed it and then helped with marshalling our first Ultimate Trails, ultra marathon, camping out on Garburn Pass with his wife Zoe. Seeing all the ultra runners inspired him enough to want to take part in this year’s UT55. He’s not a runner, and he started training, and made it to the start line on 27th June. What was really remarkable, was that he was waiting for a kidney transplant and his consultant had advised him against even training for the event. Rich found great strength and focus from his training, which helped him cope with the uncertainty surrounding his medical condition. He set off on the UT55 raising funds for the Mountain Rescue, although on the day the hot weather defeated him and he took the sensible decision to retire. On 22nd August Rich had a successful kidney transplant operation and recuperated in hospital. He came home yesterday and is making good progress. I just know he’ll make the start line for the UT55 on 2nd July next year and finish off the job!
Incredible! Rich will no doubt inspire hundreds (if not thousands!) of runners with his courage and attitude
What would you say to someone considering their first off-road run?
Easy – log on to www.lakelandtrails.org and book.
Haha, well said – that’s what I did afterall!
You recently became a member of the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. How would you describe your experience on the day and in getting to that stage?
My dad did his Bob Graham Round when I was 18 months old, so I guess it all started then! I’ve been a fell runner pretty much all my life, so the BG was always one to put on the running CV at some stage. It’s regarded very much as a right of passage for fell runners of a certain age, maybe the last big thing to achieve before going firmly downhill!!? There’s a lot of luck involved, with training, injuries, weather, etc so it was a real honour for me to achieve a sub 24 hr round in May this year. I loved every minute of it – if anything, the training even more than the day itself. If anyone was interested in the full story you can read it here.
Graham start of BGR with Ash and Helen Jackson
Graham BGR Training near Kentmere
BGR end of Leg 3, Wasdale
Graham celebrating BGR with Ash and Claire
It really was inspiring Graham….and your next challenge?
I’m pleased you found it inspiring Jeff, you’ll have to pencil the BGR in for the future!!
I am one of those people who need to have a goal and a challenge to aim for, although at my stage in life, I want to also relish every step of the way, so there’s no rush to achieve this or that. I’ve pencilled in the Joss Naylor Challenge for next year – although it’s shorter than the “Bob” it has quite a tight time limit and it’s only open to old gits like me who are over 50! For the rest of this year I’m enjoying ticking off all the Wainwright summits again (I did all of these last year). I love planning new routes, and the Wainwrights offer a chance to take me to less frequented parts of the Lake District that I wouldn’t visit otherwise. My last jaunt took in 14 summits on a perfect summer’s day with views to die for and hardly anyone about, the “high point” literally was at the summit of Grasmoor when I watched a rare Ring Ouzel close up for around 5 minutes.
Funnily enough the BGR is on my mind Graham. I’ll be sure to tap you up for advice
From who or what do you get your inspiration?
Throughout my life I’ve been lucky enough to meet and get to know some incredibly inspiring
individuals from the sporting world. The ones I’m drawn to aren’t necessarily the most successful runners, but they are those who still have that spark of life, those true adventurers who do things because they want to, because they sound like fun and a good idea at the time. I guess those people have shaped my own aspirations and ambitions.
What is your favourite trail running route?
From my house in Kendal, through Serpentine Woods, across the golf course, over the by-pass, up onto Cunswick Scar, along to the “mushroom” look out on Scout Scar, then back across the old Racecourse to Kendal. I must have run this five mile route hundreds of times and I’ve never tired of it yet!
What is your favourite sports nutrition pre-race and post-race?
Completely off the radar for me – I just eat what I feel like before and after a race. When I started running in my teens (in the 70’s) there just wasn’t any sports nutrition product available, so I’ve got used to “real” food. It literally could be anything.
Can’t beat ‘real food’. Any running / activity books you could recommend?
Plenty – I’m an avid reader and love a good book. Whilst there’s a lot of running trash out there, I just love “Born To Run” by Chris McDougall; I think “Ghost Runner” by Bill Jones is a great story, but one of the best ones I’ve come across isn’t marketed as a “running” book at all – “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand – absolutely brilliant!
What is your running mantra?
Have a good time all the time!
Graham winter training
Excellent! Graham, thank you very much for this interview. You’ve helped thousands of people to discover the joys of #trailrunning and I’m pretty certain the vast majority of us have never looked back  Â
Just to remind you, Graham’s story of his BGR is a superb read. Real insight to the joy and pain of preparation, the effort and rewards of success
Yours in sport!
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