Running 540 miles for The Christie

A Tameside man is planning to run over 500 miles in memory of his late father.  

James Hayes, from Ashton, is tackling the 30 before 30 challenge, which sees him take part in 30 different running events before he turns 30 this November.  

After losing his dad Peter to cancer back in 2021, James began running as a way to help him process the difficult journey he and his family were on, and now hopes to raise vital funds and awareness for The Christie, a charity close to his heart.  

The challenge got underway last November when James celebrated his 29th birthday with a 10-mile run from his childhood home in Ashton to The Christie, and will conclude the day before he turns 30 with a 30-mile run to the hospital from his new home in Huddersfield.  

“I’ve got friends that are going to cycle it with me, and checkpoints where some of my family members are going to join in, so it should be really nice,” James told the Reporter ahead of the emotional finish.  

“Hopefully there are a few smiling faces and maybe a couple of tears at The Christie to finish things off.”  

Since kicking off the challenge, the primary school teacher has completed 18 of the 30 events, including the four-day Tour 2026, the 30-mile ‘Ultra Loop Track Edition’, and marathons in Manchester, London and Rome.  

This weekend sees the 29-year-old take on arguably his toughest race yet, Leeds’ ‘Endure24’, a 24-hour relay event in which he hopes to rack up over 60 miles.  

James is also looking forward to the Mossley 10k, which takes place later this month, as well as a ‘12-hour lock-in’ event at Dovestone Reservoir.  

Although the events haven’t been without their challenges, James has had plenty of fun along the way, including at the Tatton Park Half Marathon, where he wore a grape costume chosen by pupils from his Year 6 class.

So far, the challenge has helped raise over £2,400 for The Christie, and with over five months until it comes to a close, there are hopes this figure will continue to rise.  

But while funds are important, James admits raising awareness of the effects of the disease is also a top priority.  

“One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, so as good as it is to fundraise, raising awareness and getting people to talk about cancer is also a huge part for me,” he revealed.  

“I just wanted to give something back and support The Christie, they did so much for my family and they are still doing so much for others.”  

To donate to James’ just giving page, visit:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/30before30