I never thought I’d run 200 marathons now I’m doing it with my daughter
A Fylde coast runner is set to mark a remarkable milestone at the London marathon this month completing his 200th race alongside his daughter.
What began as a long-shot ambition has grown into an extraordinary running journey for one Fylde coast marathoner, who is now preparing to complete his 200th race in London.
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His story dates back to 2012, when - after seven years of unsuccessful ballot attempts - he finally secured a place at the London Marathon at the age of 41.
Michael Pate will be running his 200th marathon in London next month with his daughter Caragh.
At the time, he had no idea just how far the experience would take him. While training, he read a book about runners who had completed more than 100 marathons.
He said: “During my training, I read a book about people who had completed over 100 marathons. It was made up of interviews, and I remember thinking they must all be super athletes. But later that same year, I ran another marathon in Preston, my hometown, and met some members of the 100 Marathon Club. They weren’t superhuman at all- just ordinary runners, which really inspired me.”
That perception changed later the same year when he took part in the Preston Guild marathon and met members of the 100 Marathon Club.
He completed two marathons in 2012, followed by 11 the year after, before building up to as many as 32 in a single year at his peak.
He said: “From there, things escalated quite quickly. I went from running two marathons in 2012 to about eleven the following year, and then it really took hold. At one point, I ran 32 marathons in a single year.
“I also started pushing myself further, doing challenges like two marathons in one day, ultramarathons, a 50-mile run from Liverpool to Manchester, and eventually a 100-mile race, which I completed in just under 23 hours.”
His journey hasn’t been without setbacks. A torn hamstring during the York Marathon last year forced him to take several weeks off, while a previous ultra left him on crutches. But even injuries have not dented his determination.
He said: “Along the way, I’ve had a few injuries. At the York Marathon last October, I tore my hamstring about 10 miles in.
“I felt a sharp pain but carried on and still managed to finish under four hours. It was only afterwards I realised the extent of the injury - it was badly bruised, and I needed seven weeks off running.
“After a 100-mile race, I also ended up in A&E the next day with severe strain injuries to my shins, which meant more time off.”
Now, his 200th marathon marks not just a personal milestone, but a family moment too, as he prepares to run it alongside his daughter.
In recent years, he has channelled his passion into organising his own events through Preston, Fylde and Wyre running, hosting races of varying distances across the region.
For him, the goal now is not just about numbers, but about inspiring others to realise that extraordinary achievements can start with a single step.
Set to complete the massive milestone when he takes on the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, Michael Pate will also be joined by his daughter Caragh on the momentous occasion, with the pair looking forward to celebrating the double century together.
Michael, who is from Elswick and who runs Preston, Fylde and Wyre Running, is undertaking the marathon to raise money for Breakthrough T1D, a charity committed to eradicating type 1 diabetes by funding research driving new developments in treatment and technology while laying the foundations for a cure.
The charity also supports those living with the condition through advocacy, resources, and community action.Every pound raised will help accelerate life-changing breakthroughs and improve everyday life for people affected by type 1 diabetes.
Michael said: “I now run my own business, PFW Running (Preston, Fylde and Wyre Running), where I organise events across the region, including in Preston, Lytham and Blackpool. We host around 13 events a year, covering distances from 10K to marathons and ultramarathons.