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Macclesfield man running six iconic marathons in honour of friends battling MND

Local News by Matthew Hancock-Bruce 26th Feb 2026  
Mike Kemp has set himself the challenge of completing the World Marathon Majors (Credit: Supplied)
Mike Kemp has set himself the challenge of completing the World Marathon Majors (Credit: Supplied)
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A runner is taking on six of the world's most famous marathons.

Macclesfield born and raised Mike Kemp has set himself the challenge of completing the World Marathon Majors – London, Berlin, New York, Chicago, Tokyo and Boston.

In doing so, he will raise money for the MND Association in honour of two fellow Macclesfield Harriers members, Rob Hasler and Brian West.

Mike said: "Every single pound counts.

"The MND Association are a fantastic charity and they are very involved in directly supporting families like Brian and Rob's, but they also support clinical research to try to make advances in the treatment of MND."

A consultant neurologist by day, Mike added: "I see and diagnose all kinds of neurological diseases.

"MND is one of those diseases that I see. Unfortunately, there is no cure and the only treatment is supportive."

Mike joined Macclesfield Harriers in 2021 (Credit: Supplied)

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Mike began exercising more during the pandemic, starting out with a spin bike at home.

He soon took up running and 'got carried away from there'.

"My late dad was very talented marathon runner, and I feel that running has found a connection with his passion," he said.

Mike ran his first 10k race at the end of 2021 before pulling the trigger on a lifelong ambition of running a marathon.

Since then, he has completed seven road marathons, including four of the World Marathon Majors - London in 2022, Chicago 2023, Berlin 2024 and New York 2025.

Mike added: "As the world was opening back up this seemed like an opportunity to travel and also take my running with me."

Mike has already completed four of the six World Marathon Majors, including Berlin in 2024 (Credit: Supplied)

Next up is the Tokyo Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, March 1.

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Asked if he was more excited or daunted about the challenge ahead, he said: "A little of both!

"I've had a really good training block this winter, so I am feeling reasonably confident.

"I'm not quite back in personal best shape, I had a back surgery at the start of 2024 and it has been a long journey back since (excuse the pun).

"To get the challenge of running Tokyo and then Boston just seven weeks later is an added challenge as it will take time to recover in between and get ready to go again so soon."

You can donate to Mike's fundraiser for the MND Association here.

     

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