A MAN who is attempting to run a marathon in every English city over the course of a year arrived in Truro on Saturday [August 9].

Adam Rodriguez, 28, from Bath, is raising funds and awareness for the charity MOVE Against Cancer. He began his epic 55-marathon challenge in Hereford on Saturday, July 5, and his final run will take place in Salisbury on June 28 next year.

Adam chose Truro Cathedral as his start and end point. With town crier Lionel Knight as his starting gun, his route took in the Royal Cornwall Museum, Victoria Gardens, Malpas village, Old County Hall, Idless Woods and Boscawen Park.

“A few years ago my mother bravely battled large B-cell lymphoma in three places and while she survived, the journey tested every part of our family,” he said. “This is a reminder of the quiet, relentless strength it takes to face cancer, not just for those diagnosed but for everyone who loves them.

“I’m passionate about trying to raise money for Move Against Cancer because they bring hope, movement and community to people navigating the weight of cancer, reminding us that no one goes through it alone. I’m doing this challenge to see every corner of England, to test both my body and my mind, and to embrace the adventure that comes with pushing beyond comfort - one marathon, once city, and one story at a time”.

Adam works full-time, so the marathons will be run on a Saturday or Sunday and tracked using a Strava device. Training is going well but the real challenge, he says, will be recovery, especially on the few weekends where he’s got two marathons back-to-back.

“The funny thing about marathon training is, no matter how hard you go at it, 26.2 miles always finds a way to humble you. I’m having to be super-sensible with how I train, fuel and rest, even if my legs would prefer a lie-down and a cuppa.

“Add in the joy of British weather and the odd city that feels more like a mountain range, and it’s shaping up to be quite the adventure!”

Adam has raised almost £1,000 so far for the charity MOVE Against Cancer, a growing community of people who believe passionately in the power of movement to improve physical and mental wellbeing for those living with and beyond cancer, and challenge the myth that ‘rest is best’.

Its eight-week online programme supports 13- to 30-year-olds diagnosed with cancer, and throughout the year, Adam will meet ambassadors and participants from MOVE Against Cancer’s 5k Your Way initiative, a supportive community linked with parkrun on the last Saturday of the month.

MOVE Against Cancer fundraising officer Sophie Mulligan said: “Adam's commitment is hugely admirable. He's given up a whole year of weekends to take on this epic challenge. Any donations will go directly into supporting and inspiring those affected by cancer to live an active, fulfilling life. We are behind him every step of the way.”

Follow Adam’s progress @RoddersRoutes on Tiktok, Instagram and YouTube.