--- title: 'Mark Cunningham – The Man Who Hated Running (At First)' url: 'https://carryduffrc.com/about/news/profiles-markcunningham' markdown: 'https://carryduffrc.com/about/news/profiles-markcunningham.md' date: '2025-04-07' description: 'Mark Cunningham never fancied himself a runner—in fact, he actively dodged it for years. But after reluctantly agreeing to run the shortest leg of a marathon relay, something changed. A few years later, he’s run two full marathons, hit his sub-4 goal, and become a steady presence in the CRC weekend…' --- [← News](https://carryduffrc.com/about/news) # Mark Cunningham – The Man Who Hated Running (At First) ![Mark Cunningham](https://carryduffrc.com/about/news/profiles-markcunningham/image-2.png) Mark Cunningham Mark Cunningham never fancied himself a runner—in fact, he actively dodged it for years. But after reluctantly agreeing to run the shortest leg of a marathon relay, something changed. A few years later, he’s run two full marathons, hit his sub-4 goal, and become a steady presence in the CRC weekend long runs as well as being "Coach Mark" for our recent Couch to 5K Graduates. His story is honest, relatable, and a reminder that progress is often quiet… until you’re crossing the finish line. **How long have you been running? How long with CRC?**Approximately 3 years **What made you start running?**Now that’s a good question. I always hated running and refused to partake in any of the running events via work, marathon relay etc. It wasn’t until after years of asking that I finally decided to do the shortest leg. I hated it!! However, it was the kick start I needed and over the following few years I started to get more into running, slowly!! **What motivated you to take that first step into running?** **What was the biggest challenge you faced, did you have any low points, and how did you overcome any challenges you faced?**The biggest challenge was to get out through the front door. After that, it was my breathing, the stitch I got every time, having to start/stop, and not to mention sore joints & muscles!! The low points were fighting the voices in my head asking me why was I doing this to myself. This, along with running on my own, were the biggest challenges I had. When I look back now, these were all overcome by joining the running club. To run with others is half the battle. From the date I joined, that was the time that I was able to kick forward on all aspects of my running journey. **Have you noticed any improvements in your fitness, mental health, or overall well-being?**100% my fitness levels have improved greatly and at present I’m probably fitter than I have ever been since I was in my teenage years. Getting out for a run in the fresh air is key to getting my head cleared and all the benefits that come with that. **What has been the most rewarding moment of your running journey so far?** **Have you made new friendships or connections through running?**The most rewarding has to be the improvement overall. At first I was weary of doing 5km and could never see myself doubling that to 10km and then from that to longer distances. I have to say none of that would have been possible without the friends I’ve made since joining the club. I defo wasn’t getting there on my own. I’ll not confess to know everyone in the club but those that I do know are so friendly and encouraging. Many will be friends for life. **What is your proudest running achievement so far?**My proudest running achievement has to be crossing the line at the Belfast Marathon last May ‘24. I went from Mr. I’ll never ever do a Marathon to actually doing one and to top it off I achieved my goal of sub 4hrs. I’ll never live down the Mr. I’ll never do a Marathon but I’m quite happy about that as it means I now have 👍. Then to go on and do a 2nd in the same year in Amsterdam was the icing on the cake. That one was a few minutes slower but the course did run 700m’s longer, well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it 😉 --- ## Navigation - Parent: [News](https://carryduffrc.com/about/news.md) - Previous: [Kelly Breen – From Lockdown Walks to Running Weekends](https://carryduffrc.com/about/news/profile-kellybreen.md) - Next: [Nick Rafferty – Running for a Reason, Giving Back with Every Step](https://carryduffrc.com/about/news/profiles-nickrafferty.md)