Midlands man shares extraordinary ultramarathon experience after only weeks of training
When 64-year-old Ian McKnight from Bournville laced up his trainers for the first time in a decade, he never expected running to become such an important part of his life again.
But when a close friend encouraged him to get active again and pointed him towards the Coventry Building Society search for runners to join the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, Ian decided to take the plunge.
An avid runner in his youth, Ian’s fitness had quietly taken a backseat after years of focusing on work and family.
“I’d always been on and off with running over the years,” Ian said. “I first caught the running bug at university in North Wales, but life gets in the way with everything going on.
“Since Covid, my fitness had dipped a bit, and it was actually my friend Phil from my canoe club who got me back into it. He’s one of those people who’s always outdoors, always doing something. He knew I’d run a few marathons and half marathons years ago but had let things slide.”
When Phil spotted Coventry Building Society’s search for over-50s to take part in the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, he immediately thought of Ian.
“He’d already entered this year’s 13 Valleys himself, and he persuaded me to enter the draw and just give it a go, so I did.”
That spontaneous decision would reignite Ian’s love for running and lead him to take part in one of the UK’s most scenic endurance events, the Two Valleys Trail Race in the Lake District, supported by Coventry Building Society.
“I was delighted when I found out I’d got a place. Then I had that moment of thinking ‘what have I just committed to?’”
With only a few weeks to prepare and limited time to train, Ian went into the race as an ordinary person doing something extraordinary.
“The longest run I’d managed beforehand was about ten miles, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I told myself even if I had to walk half of it, I’d still give it everything.”
For Ian, the experience wasn’t just about crossing the finish line – it was about rediscovering what running meant to him.
“Running gives me mental clarity – it clears my head and lifts my mood completely. I’m lucky to live in Bournville because we’ve got loads of green paths nearby, but nothing compares to running up in the fells around Keswick. The scenery just gives you such a boost and you really feel alive in that moment.”
Despite his minimal training, Ian completed the race comfortably and was spurred on by the atmosphere and the encouragement of the Coventry Building Society team.
“The support on the day was amazing, everyone was so friendly and encouraging. I definitely enjoyed a well-earned glass of fizz and a massage at the end too!”
Now, running has once again become part of Ian’s routine, but out of joy rather than obligation.
“The whole experience reminded me how much I’d missed it. It’s not about how fast you go; it’s about getting out there and doing something that makes you feel good. The Two Valleys gave me that spark back and I’m already looking forward to coming back next year to take on one of the Ultra events.”
Ian was one of 25 runners and adventurers supported by Coventry Building Society to take part in the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, proving that it’s never too late to tick something off your bucket list.
The sponsorship is part of Coventry Building Society’s Sunny Days campaign, which encourages everyone to use their ‘sunny days savings’ to make memories. Challenges like this, highlight how life’s big adventures, whether that’s a trail run in the mountains or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, often require perseverance and budgeting.
Jon Badger, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Coventry Building Society, said: “Ian’s story is a great reminder of how encouragement and community can spark something truly extraordinary. Sometimes it only takes one person to believe in you to set a new adventure in motion. Seeing how running has brought Ian renewed energy and purpose really captures what our ‘sunny days’ campaign is all about: celebrating the moments and experiences that make life richer.”
Coventry Building Society is on a mission to prove there’s more to life than setting money aside for the unexpected. From once-in-a-lifetime trips, exciting adventures and spending time with loved ones, the building society is encouraging people where possible to save for the ‘sunny days’ and things that bring them joy. For more information, visit the website.
