The Running Man of Welshpool

Phil Jones

On Tuesday I trundled down the railway to Welshpool, to Coco’s Coffee House to meet Phil Jones who has spent the last three years raising awareness of Parkinson’s across Welshpool and the surrounding area. He has become a bit of a local celebrity for his running and fundraising. His three clear aims are to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, to get people moving through walking, running and community activity, and to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK Cymru. This March he launched the 10 x 10K Challenge — a series of community runs and events culminating in the Welshpool 10K on Sunday 22 March. It was great to catch up with him and see how he is doing before the events start.

Phil said: "This is the third and final March Challenge as part of a trilogy to raise money for Parkinson's UK Cymru. We set out with the aim of raising awareness of the condition, encouraging people to exercise and also raise money. We have succeeded in all aims and raised over £40,000 for the Charity."

Phil has worked closely with David from My Welshpool, local schools, businesses and community groups to put Parkinson’s UK Cymru on the map locally and nationally. He’s become a familiar face at events, and last Friday he hosted a Gala dinner at the Royal Oak to launch this year’s running timetable. The campaign mixes visibility runs, club sessions, school involvement and gym-hosted challenges so people of all ages and abilities can take part. This year they have 2 days in the gym on Thursday the 12th and 19th March where you can complete your 10k on a rower, bike, treadmill, ski erg whichever way you choose.

It has been amazing to watch how this has developed over the years and to see all the young and older people taking part in becoming more active in the local community.

10 x 10K Challenge schedule (Welshpool)

●      Sunday 8 March, 3:00pm — Challenge launch, Morrisons car park / Montgomeryshire Canal; finish line at Coco Coffee Shop.

●      Monday 9 March, 6:00pm — Endurance run with Andrew Davies, Running Track, Newtown.

●      Tuesday 10 March, 6:30pm — Welshpool RFC take the 10K Challenge as part of training (Clubhouse).

●      Wednesday 11 March, 5:00pm — Visibility run starting at Alexander’s.

●      Thursday 12 March — Hosted by Great Fitness Gym: donate, complete a 10K on any equipment and post on social media.

●      Friday 13 March, 4:00pm or 5:00pm — Visibility run around Welshpool Town Hall, starting at Coco (two start times).

●      Saturday 14 March — Newtown Parkrun (two sessions).

●      Sunday 15 March, 3:00pm — Trail run around Gregynog Hall and estate; start at the school.

●      Monday 16 March, 4:00pm or 5:00pm — Visibility run around Welshpool Town, starting from Coco (two start times).

●      Tuesday 17 March, 9:15am — Staff and students at Newtown College: flat, fast, traffic-free course.

●      Wednesday 18 March, 9:30am — Ysgol Rhiwbechan and Churchstoke Primary School: 10K around the hall.

●      Thursday 19 March — Great Fitness Gym repeat: donate, complete a 10K on any equipment and post on social media.

●      Friday 20 March, 6:30pm — Headtorch run from The Grapes, route around Welshpool.

●      Saturday 21 March — Newtown Parkrun (two sessions).

●      Sunday 22 March — Welshpool 10K — headline charity event for Parkinson’s UK Cymru on the iconic course.

If you can’t take part go along and cheer all the participants on. For more information visit Phil’s Parkinson’s 10 x 10K Challenge Facebook page.