For Max, taking on his first marathon isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a deeply meaningful journey inspired by his dad, Kevin Leonard, an avid runner who passed away from lung cancer.
“I got into running a few years after my dad passed away,” Max shared. “A massive part of it was seeing how much he and my mum got out of it — it wasn’t just about keeping fit; it really enriched the quality of their lives.”
Running had always been a big part of his dad’s life, especially at parkrun, where he consistently clocked sub-20-minute 5Ks every week.
“One Saturday, when it suddenly took him much longer to finish, we knew something wasn’t right,” Max recalled. “That, along with a lingering cough, led to tests and eventually, a diagnosis of lung cancer. He passed away just over a year later.”
In the years since, running has become a way for Max to stay connected to his dad and process his grief.
“Running connects me back to him,” he said. “It’s something we now share, even if not at the same time. It’s helped me find headspace, community, and meaning.”
From Park runs and local 10Ks to long runs with friends, Max has discovered the joy, rhythm, and connection that running brings.
“I’ve come to really enjoy the social side of it, the headspace it gives, and occasionally the competitive element too. It’s also drawn me into the wider world of running — reading about it, seeing how it transcends cultures across the world.”
Now, as Max prepares to take on his first Great Welsh Marathon, it’s not just about distance or time. It’s about honouring his dad’s memory and embracing the mindset that running represents.
“It’s not about how you finish or how fast you can go. I came across a message once that stuck with me — it’s not about how long life is, but how much life is lived. That really resonates. Running adds more life to your days — and I understand now just how true that was for my dad too.”
Max’s story is a beautiful reminder that every stride tells a story of love, loss, connection, and the power of finding meaning in movement. If his story had inspired you to take on your own running journey, let us know so that maybe one day we could share your story too!
For more information about the Great Welsh Marathon Events, or how to be part of it too CLICK HERE.