Running to Paris — A Club Effort, Raising More for Charity
In May 2026, I’ll be taking part in Run2Paris, running from London to Paris over four days as part of a team challenge.
What I’m most proud of this time isn’t the distance — it’s the people. We’ve managed to get 20 members signed up for the event, which means more people experiencing the adventure of running to Paris, and more money being raised for charity.
That, for me, is what this is really about.
As a running coach and club founder, my motivation has always been to help people feel capable of more than they think — to give them structure, confidence, and the chance to be part of something bigger than a solo challenge.
Run2Paris does exactly that. It turns a daunting idea into a shared experience, and often inspires people to keep running long after the event itself.
The fundraising supports Parkinson’s UK and Regain, two charities doing vital work supporting people living with Parkinson’s and those affected by life-changing spinal injuries.
With four teams heading to Paris this year, we have a real opportunity to raise a significant amount of money and show what a supportive running community can achieve together.
If you’re able to support the fundraising in any way, it would be hugely appreciated.
Every donation helps turn this challenge into something that makes a genuine difference — both for the charities and for the people taking part.
Thank you for your support.
My Updates
Run 2 Paris Update: £1,000 Raised at the Concert and Training Ramps Up
Saturday 14th Mar
Hi everyone,
I thought I’d share a quick Run 2 Paris update from both myself and the wider team.
First of all, a big thank you to everyone who supported the Run 2 Paris fundraiser concert. It turned into a brilliant evening and raised just over £1,000, thanks to 77 tickets sold and a fun raffle on the night. The atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to see so many club members and friends there supporting the cause.
On the fundraising side, I’m now just over halfway to my personal fundraising target, which I’m really pleased about. So if you see my fundraising link pop up in a WhatsApp group or even land in a message from me personally, don’t be too surprised!
In terms of training, things are coming along nicely. Last weekend I did an 18km trail walk/run around Center Parcs in Longleat after dropping my son and his friends at the nearby bike park. The following day I headed out again and ran 18km around the streets of Bishop’s Cleeve at a respectable pace.
At this stage, the focus has really shifted towards back-to-back or consecutive day runs, as we’re now just six weeks away from the event. The idea is to get the body used to running again when the legs are already a bit tired — something we’ll definitely experience during the challenge.
The team as a whole is doing brilliantly. Together we’ve already raised over £6,000 of our £8,000 target, so I’m confident we’ll go well beyond that as we build towards the event and during the run itself.
Thanks again for all the encouragement and support — it really does make a difference.
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Training Update – 12 February 2026 (10.5 weeks left!)
Thursday 12th Feb
A quick update on where I’m at with training as we build towards Run to Paris.
The good news first: the Achilles rehabilitation is complete — which is a huge relief. After last time, getting through that process properly has been a big milestone.
I have picked up a new issue in recent weeks: a hip flexor tendinopathy. Thankfully, it isn’t aggravated by the steady, controlled running we’ll be doing in preparation for Run to Paris, and it’s definitely improving. That said, it has meant I’ve reduced overall mileage slightly while putting more time and energy into rehabilitation and strength work.
The focus remains the same: arrive at the start line healthy, consistent, and ready to enjoy the journey rather than force anything.
You can follow my training progress on Strava here:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/1791032
Today also marks the official start of my fundraising efforts for this challenge. We’re raising money for Parkinson’s UK and Regain, and if you’re able to support in any way, I’d be hugely grateful.
You can donate via my fundraising page here:
https://www.run2events.com/fundraisers/conorgraham/run2paris-may-26
I’m still hugely excited about what’s to come. We’ve managed to get four teams heading to Paris this year, which means a brilliant adventure ahead, a great showing for Cheltenham Running Club, and — most importantly — the chance to raise a significant amount of money for two incredible charities.
Thank you for all the support so far.
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Why I’m Taking On Run2Paris (Again)
Wednesday 22nd Oct
I first took part in Run2Paris back in 2023, and it was easily one of the most memorable running experiences I’ve ever had — a true adventure combining challenge, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Unfortunately, I pushed myself a little too hard that year and ended up with an Achilles injury that forced me to take a big step back from running. Looking back, it was a classic case of doing too much and ignoring the warning signs!
This time around, I’m taking a very different approach. My focus is on enjoying the journey — embracing slower jogging, walking up the steep hills, and appreciating the amazing new routes we’ll discover as a team.
Run2Paris isn’t just about the miles — it’s about the shared moments, the teamwork, and the sense of adventure. I can’t wait to experience it all again (a little wiser, and hopefully a bit stronger too!).
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
£100
David & Danielle
£53.32
Andrew R
That will be an amazing achievement, Conor. Something to be very proud of!
£53.32
Di Graham
Go Conor! Hope your training is going well!
£50
Conor
£50
Justine Foster
Good luck Conor - they are good causes
£30
Dave Thorp
£27.05
Emily Oconnor
£27.05
Sandra Green
Good luck to you all
£21.84
Katie Glancy
Well done Conor and team! Love your big audacious goal and I'm sure you will smash it! Thanks for inspiring the rest of us and raising money for such a great cause! Bonne chance!
£21.84
Gary Nicholson
£11.33
Ievgen Kudelin
Good luck
£11.33
Patricia Van Nederveen
Wishing you all the luck in the world! A fantastic cause
Steady as you go 🙏