Mountain man James plans to tame the dragon
AMAN who said running ‘saved his life’ will take on his hardest physical challenge yet to raise money and awareness for a suicide prevention charity.
James Barlow, 40, from Broken Cross, will have a go at the Dragon’s Back Race – a mountainous route of 380km from Conway Castle to Cardiff completed over six days.
He began running in May 2021, when he was in a ‘very, very dark place and saw no way out’, to help deal with his own mental health problems.
His first step was to take part in 100 Miles for May campaign for mental health charity Mind, but he quickly stepped up in difficulty.
James said: “Running did save my life, I was in a very, very dark place and saw no way out.
“I’m nothing special, I just found the fight within me and set myself a challenge and then another and another, you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.
“Talking was key to my recovery, counselling, finding a hobby, a feel good factor. Some days the struggle is still there.
“But I’ve learned the tools to deal with adversity and my strength and knowledge gained over the last few years, allows me to work through the down days.”
James will compete in the Dragon’s Back from September 5 to 10 and his efforts will be in aid of Andy’s Man Club.
He completed his first race, the Manchester Marathon, in October last year.
And in the last 18 months he has also done four more marathons, a half marathon and two 50 mile ultra marathons.
But his latest challenge represents a step up even from that and is the equivalent of a marathon and a half for each of the six days.
James said: “The Dragon’s Back is the world’s toughest mountain race. If we talk like for like, I’ll have taken on climbing Everest twice in one week.
“I’m really happy, living life to the fullest and becoming the best version of me. I want to help break down the stigma of men’s mental health.”
Andy’s Man Club aims to provide men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to talk and open up about their experiences and has support group’s across the country.
James is now hoping to help set one up in Macclesfield.
Anyone who wants to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ jamesbarlow41.