Dom, where on earth do we start?! You’ve achieved so much recently but let’s begin with something straightforward…
How did you get into running?
I got in to running in the spring of 2011, it started with an invite from my brother to do the Bristol 10k. That was April/May time and afterwards I didn’t think much about it until a month later my partner (Katy) asked me to stand in for a friend of ours in the Bristol half, which was early to mid September. I agreed and set out training, that’s when it all really began. In between watching Eddie Izzard’s amazing run around the country, a trip to Anfield and the Bristol half, the Hillsborough-Anfield run was born.
Did you ever see yourself running the distances and organising the events you have back then?
From watching the Eddie Izzard run I knew I could do something along those lines, it really set my imagination off on what I could do, and what I can do in the future.
You’re the man behind the Hillsborough-Anfield Run. How would you describe what that has given you?
When I started out on getting the Hillsborough run going I never for one second thought I’d meet so many inspirational people, people I know consider friends. I feel very proud of what we (everyone who has been involved with the H-A run team) have achieved since the first run in 2012 and hope we have done everyone concerned proud, it may only be a small thing we do but each and every one of us have put our all in to every step taken in remembering the 96.
You’re very passionate about using running for good causes. What is your proudest moment?
There are so many but, I guess walking across from the Isla Gladstone to the start area for the first Run For The 96 5k and seeing around 2,500 people waiting to take part, just unbelievable pride. Knowing a lot of Family members who lost loved ones at Hillsborough were there and survivors too, it was an amazing sight to behold.
It was an amazing sight indeed Dom. I did it with my family and it was a very special day 
You were very recently nominated for the “Best Running Moment” in the Merseyside Running Community Awards 2015. How did that make you feel?
I was really shocked to be honest, of course I knew about the awards but never thought for a moment I’d get a nomination. If I’m honest I would have liked to see the team get nominated but hopefully I can go on to win this one and can accept it on behalf of the whole team. If not, we can still be really proud of all we have tried to do with the run and we’ll carry on doing our best.
Well I voted and certainly congratulate you on that! What are your hopes for the community legacy of “Run for the 96 5k”?
Thanks Jeff, it means a lot to get support for what we do. I just hope Run For The 96 grows and is embraced in the spirit it was intended to, bringing people together for a day to remember. So much sadness comes from Hillsborough but I know a lot of the Families had a really good day, leaving in high spirits and looking forward to next year. Hopefully some justice will have been found by then!
As if completing Hillsborough-Anfield Run 5 times wasn’t enough, you’ve achieved other amazing feats. Could you tell us about the “Ring O Fire”?
Where do I start? It was absolutely brutal, day 1 is gruelling to say the least, 35.7 miles of tough coastline trail followed by a flatter but still very tough 65.9 miles then a further 33.4 miles with a mountain and descent to finish! I’m already entered for next year, the scenery there is incredible so why not?
Where is your favourite place to run?
I live very close to the Glastonbury festival site ( a good few miles from Glastonbury) and there are some cracking hills I can take in as well as being able to look over at the pyramid stage, it’s quite some view. I’ll often finish that particular 8 miler up Paul Nicholls hill gallop where some of the greats of National Hunt racing have been trained, it’s easy to see why they have an edge!
Haha excellent Music or silence when running?
I’ll often have music on for the shorter runs but when you get over 20 miles it can get a bit much, mostly music though.
How important are family and friends in helping you achieve what you have?
Easy this, they are massively important. All the training can be a huge strain sometimes but ultimately I have their full support.
What gives you such drive?
I wish I knew the answer to that, I’ve never been particularly driven by anything but running is different. A lot of people think I’m crazy running the distances I do but it’s easy when you enjoy it so much.
What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Roy Hodgson is the new Liverpool manager.
What is the best thing anyone has said to you?
Jürgen Klopp is the new Liverpool manager.
Real food or not when it comes to running?
I tend to eat what I want but I get cravings for healthy foods, I don’t really have a specific diet.
What is your favourite running #fuelfood at the moment?
I’m a big fan of broccoli at all times but especially leading up to a long run and bananas, I love bananas.
Yep, you can’t beat bananas in my view
And if you could invite anyone on your favourite run, who would you ask?
This is a strange one for me because as a personality I’m not bothered by him but, it would have to be Eddie Izzard. I’d love to talk to him about his run around Britain but more than anything I’d like to thank him for inspiring me to run these long distances.
What other events are on your bucket list?
No bucket list as such though I’d love to do the UTMB and North Pole marathon, aside from that I have a run in mind that has been in my head from almost the first day I set out on these longer runs. If I ever get the chance (it’s a huge if) I’d like to organise a team to run from the Spion Kop in Durban, South Africa to the Kop at Anfield. Whether this will ever be attainable I don’t know but if I could get the backing I would definitely do that.
I’m sure you can and will! Who or what inspires you?
All the Families and survivors of Hillsborough have been a massive inspiration, what they have been through and continue to go through for the last 26 and a half years is a disgrace. I hope 2016 can bring some closure to them all.
I could not agree more…
Superb that Dom! Hugely grateful to you for doing this interview. You’ve shown what people can achieve when they really set their minds to something. I wonder how many people you yourself have now inspired to run because of your own achievements
All the best!
]]>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
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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