In November 2017, I left my Project Management job in London, UK to begin Adventures in Running, a personal project combining travel, running and exploring running culture with spending time at 'Sport for Social Change' initiatives.

I am passionate about the use of sport as a tool for positive social impact and particularly in areas of social deprivation. I am keen to understand barriers to participation in sport in communities around the world and how to remove them to ensure the best chance of success.

Utilising my background in project management and community sports coaching, I have partnered with initiatives and events in the UK, Colombia, Nicaragua, USA, Kenya & Uganda, including:

HERON-RUN - partnering with the Health Inequalities Research Network (HERON) to provide free running sessions for young mental health service users aged 16-35 years in the borough of Southwark, London, UK

Uganda International Marathon - a 7-day adventure in rural Uganda. Bringing people from all over the world to visit, connect with and support projects in an incredible community, culminating in the biggest international race in East Africa

From Coach to Coach Uganda - working with community leaders in Eastern Uganda to create sports programmes, coaching workshops and build capacity that will allow young people to become self-reliant through sport

Masaka Runners Club - providing free running fitness and technique sessions for club members who may not have the financial means to attend coached sessions

Creative Canvas Uganda (CCU) - a community project in Ndegeya, Uganda providing additional education that does not form part of the school curriculum. Giving youngsters from ages 4-14 the opportunity to learn art, sport, music, small scale farming, cooking, drama, sex education, computer literacy and healthy living

Sport for Africa - a social enterprise supporting grassroots sport organisations in East Africa. Exploring innovative, sustainable approaches to fund community sport and facilitating coaching workshops

Run Kapchorwa - a project promoting running and sports tourism in Eastern Uganda in order to create employment, capability and community development

I have provided consultation and project management to a number of social enterprises, charities and events in a wide range of areas: community coaching, capacity building, event management, funding vehicles & sponsorship, race planning & execution, productivity tools, continuous improvement initiatives, organisational structure, SEO, marketing & social media training.

To help fund the project costs, I provide running coaching, mentorship and training plans for beginners and improvers who are looking for help with improving their running or training toward a personal goal. I also have a keen interest in mentoring those who may be struggling with grief or mental health issues. As someone who has relied on running as a support mechanism in times of difficulty myself, I can help you understand how running or physical activity can be utilised to compliment therapy or as a potential alternative to medication.

I have been fortunate enough to travel, work, train and compete in 58 different countries, running over 20 marathons and ultra marathons in Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

If you are interested in discussing ideas or know of people or initiatives who may be a good fit with my work, you can check my whereabouts or contact me.

If you like what you see and fancy buying me a coffee that would be lovely!

Mark