WRITER and charity runner Frank Wainwright and his Big Toe arrived at Warrington’s Victoria Parkrun on Saturday morning from Widnes and an 8am start.
Warrington Parkrun gave him a great reception on the 55th day of his 62 consecutive day inspirational tour. Looking fresh after his journey from Widnes he devoured the 5km Parkrun before setting off for Manchester, a total journey of 40 miles on his 62nd day.
Former Mayor of Warrington, Geoff Settle, was there to greet him with Huw Jones race director and the Parkrun Volunteers who were having their pre-parkrun briefing.
Frank said: “After a lifetime of writing and adventure and an extreme midlife running crisis. How can I put that to good use?
“In July and August 2024, I will combine my abilities, running 2000 miles, linking every one of England’s 42 cathedral cities whilst telling the story of modern and historical England with a daily postcard blog. The result of this will be a powerful legacy in words and deeds to help inspire the next generation.”
“If you’ve got 5 minutes, there’s a video of me explaining who I am and why I can do this.” Frank’s Big TOE (Tour of England) – Frank Publishing or frankpublishing.com
Geoff said: “I didn’t know about Frank until he turned up. I once ran the Isle of Man ‘40’ miler back in 1984 which takes in the Isle of Man TT course and the foothills of their mountain Snaefell. It took me five and a half hours and all I wanted was a good meal and easy running for a week or so before my next race. Frank however is doing approximately 30 miles a total distance of nearly 2,000 miles in 62 days. That’s immense and his route today from Widnes to Manchester is 40 miles!”
The former Mayor continued: “He’s given me the inspiration I need to get back running after my two new hip replacements. I need a rest from my 185 stints as a marshal and get back to park running. Frank has given me details of his historic tour on a special beer mat he has produced. I wonder what he was hinting at, it must be kept hydrated! I’ve yet to run since entering my 8th decade and it’s just the tonic I need.”
“My toes are still recovering from my recent holiday in Carnforth when I went for a run without socks and my trainers rubbed against my toes in soaking wet conditions. The result was a bit of pain and blood red trainers and that was after only 2 hours. I can’t imagine what Frank’s Big Toe looks like now after 55 days.”
Franks said: “I started in Newcastle on 1st July will be returning to the city on the 31st August I will have covered 1850 miles and visited all 42 UK Cathedrals. I hope to have collected a good amount for the “Brathay Trust” that helps deprived kids to a brighter future.
“I’ve enjoyed my brief visit to Warrington especially running with so many Park Runners, I hope you manage to keep an eye on my page and see how I’m doing.”
