Christian Aldridge from Bridgend is raising money for charity by running 5km every single day this month, a total distance of 150 kilometres across November. The challenge takes place around Waterton Cross Roundabout in his hometown, meaning that, in his own words, by the end of the month he will have "run 150k and gone absolutely nowhere."
Christian is completing the challenge - 93 miles in total, the equivalent of three and a half marathons - to raise awareness for Movember, particularly men's mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Why a roundabout?
"It's probably one of the stupidest ideas I've ever had," said Christian, aged 39. The reason for choosing a roundabout, he explained, is simple.
"For some men, that's exactly what life can feel like - going around and around in circles. The same thoughts, the same worries, the same struggles."
"Getting up every morning, putting on a brave face, and going through the motions, but feeling like you're not actually moving forward or going anywhere. And sometimes, nobody around you even realises. That's why I'm doing this."
"Although I'll be going absolutely nowhere, I'm hoping this challenge and message goes a long way. The reason why I've chosen a roundabout is that no matter how many times you go around, there's always an exit available for you."
Community support grows
To his amazement, the daily 5k runs have been anything but lonely experiences. People keep turning up to run around with him.
"When I started on November 1, I genuinely thought I'd be running around that roundabout on my own for most of the month," he said. "But what's happened since has completely blown me away."
He added: "Just 12 days into the challenge, 166 people have already come along to support or take part at the roundabout and even the same dog has turned up and done it twice!"
"Complete strangers have come along and joined me, people have travelled from across south Wales - Merthyr, Aberdare, Port Talbot and even one from Usk - supporters have made banners, and local running clubs, gyms, football teams and community groups are now getting involved."
"We've had men, women and children as young as 7 getting involved. Some people have even gone out and completed the 5km around the roundabout themselves because they couldn't make my scheduled runs. It's turning into something far bigger than I ever imagined."
Message behind the challenge
For Christian, the experience so far has been a brilliant one, but he's keen for everyone involved to remember the reason for doing the challenge in the first place.
"The most important part isn't the running, the distance or the number of people turning up - it's the message behind it all. You never really know what someone else might be going through. And sometimes something as simple as showing up, having a conversation or checking in on someone can make a huge difference. That's what I want this challenge to encourage."
"We're not even halfway through November yet, and with more clubs, community groups and collaborations getting involved, I'm hoping we can keep building on what's already happened."
"If this ridiculous challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they're feeling, check on a mate or get something concerning checked out, it'll have been worth every single lap."
"Whether it's your head, your prostate or your balls… don't keep going around in circles. Talk about it, get it checked, and TAKE THE RIGHT EXIT!"
