UP CLOSE: With Sandbach's Run Adventurer, aka Simon Donnelly, who shares his travel tales

By Deborah Bowyer 25th Feb 2022

The smell of crispy bacon wafts around in the air as ravenous runner, Simon Donnelly, tucks into breakfast at Sandbach's Wetherspoons.

A mug of black coffee and a pint of soda water and lime help quench the thirst of the runner who has a passion for the outdoors.

The 51-year-old is dressed from head-to-toe in running gear, including some cutting edge running shoes which soften the blow of hard ground.

Simon is wearing a running vest carrying not only his phone but vital water supplies and other items.

There's a waterproof jacket for rain, a "space blanket" in case he gets injured and needs warmth and even a selfie stick for videos.

On his head is a hi-tech Go Pro Hero 10 which gives a clue to what Simon does while he is pounding the streets and countryside

By day Simon runs a web design company but in his free time he is pounding the paths recording his runs as the legendary "Run Adventurer".

The super fit Sandbach man has been running since his early 20s and now has a fan club of nearly 700 people watching his videos loaded up to Youtube not to mention followers on Patreon.

Recent runs include Ramshaw Rocks, a three mile run in Leek, to Llanfairfechan to Bangor and a five mile circular run in Audlem.

In fact, there are very few places which Simon, who lives in Sandbach Heath, won't attempt a run.

"I love seeing new places and exploring new landscapes and running is one way of doing this," he said.

"Most of my routes are circular. Running is a great way of managing stress. If I get up and have an early morning run I handle the day a lot better," said Simon, who hasn't always been the greatest athlete.

"At school I was always the last to be chosen for anything but running is something I can do and thoroughly enjoy.

"I run because it keeps me fit, helps my heart and is great for mental health. It's my quiet place."

Simon follows a low carb diet and doesn't eat breakfast before he sets off if it's an early morning run.

"I run best on an empty stomach but if I'm running around Sandbach, I usually pop into Wetherspoons at the end and have breakfast."

But Simon doesn't just upload the footage showing the beautiful scenery as he runs.

He also adds music to his travel vlog/video blogs, using music which adds to the atmosphere, making views feel truly "immersed" in the run.

"The Welsh coast was a wonderful run recently. Running along the beach was just lovely and for that it was great to add calming music which went with the sound of the sea."

The Run Adventurer's fabulous run/walk routes in Cheshire and North West England can be viewed here.

     

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