Meet Nick Rafferty, a dedicated runner whose journey started with a knock at the door and a 3-mile fun run. Since then, he’s run 15 marathons, raised thousands for charity, and found a second family at CRC. With a love for parkrun and a heart for helping others, Nick proves that running isn’t just about pace — it’s about purpose.
How long have you been running? How long with CRC?
Running since 2000 with a break between 2004 & 2010. With CRC since Dec 2022
What made you start running?
A lady called at our house in Jan 2000 and asked would I be interested in doing a 3 mile fun run for NSPCC.
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?
Following on from the above, the fun run was on marathon day and we set off about 15 mins before the main event. The whole atmosphere, support and energy of just being there that day got me hooked. It was a 3 mile run. Up to that point I had not even run 3 miles without stopping. I managed it that day and a month later I ran my 1st 10k. Now here I am 15 marathons (with 2 in the pipeline) and 53 half marathons later and I’m still plodding along.
My first 4 marathons were run to raise funds for Alzheimer’s as my Dad had it. The 3rd & 4th marathons were two weeks apart and he died just before the 3rd one. They were very hard runs and directly after the 4th one, I stopped running altogether for 6 years. I missed it but didn’t want to start again as they had all been about my Dad. Then I heard about parkrun so I started going to those and gradually got back into things again. I’m a parkrun fanatic now. I’ve almost 200 runs done. I’ve run 51 different parkrun venues. I’ve over 100 volunteer credits and have recently stepped up to run director at my local parkrun. It has been the catalyst for getting back into running again.
Have you noticed any improvements in your fitness, mental health, or overall well-being?
I have definitely noticed improvement on the mental health side of things since joining CRC. The kindness, compassion, support and empathy shown to me by our members is immeasurable. I’m truly lucky to be in this wonderful club.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your running journey so far? Have you made new friendships or connections through running?
I have raised over £10,000 so far for various charities down through the years. NSPCC, Alzheimer’s, NICHS, SIDS, Mencap, The Laurence Trust, Together 21 as some examples. All raised through running.
I have made countless new friendships through people I have met in the running community and I also now have a whole new family through CRC.
What is your proudest running achievement so far?
My proudest personal achievement was running a series called The Dopey Challenge in Orlando in 2016. It was four runs in four days totalling 48.6 miles. A 5k on Thursday. A 10k on Friday. A half marathon on Saturday & a marathon on Sunday. All runs started at 6am and I ran through all 4 Disney parks and their wide world of sports centre.
Do you have any future running goals or races or targets planned?
I’m currently training to run 2 marathons in 1 week — London and Belfast. These will be my 1st marathons in over 9 years.