Jack Midgley, is the nephew of Leeds legend, Terry Midgley, who sadly passed away in October 2019. Terry was something of a local legend in Leeds, having set three world records for running the fastest marathon’s dressed as a lifeguard in 2015, a chef in 2017, and a Leeds Rhino’s Rugby Kit in 2018. Jack was kind enough to share his running story with Run Leeds, and at the young age of 15 is showing that it is not just running that is a talent in this family , but the desire to help and inspire others to run. Well done Jack! We are all super proud of you.

This is Jack’s story…

“I wasn’t much of a fan of exercise and was quite a big lad when I was younger.

 

I did Parkrun on a Saturday with my dad and step mum, and we would visit a few different ones like Halifax, Bradford, Huddersfield and also Temple Newsam (I ran that one with a world record holder Terry Midgley, my uncle, who was doing his 250th park run that day). 

I think I got up to about 70 Parkruns in total, but never totally enjoyed them, but I did like trying to beat my previous times.

 

Then, when my uncle became unwell and my dad also had a health scare, we as a family lost a bit of our mojo towards running, and stopped going. Then Covid hit, and I didn’t go running for a long long time. During this period of time, my only real exercise was walking and PE lessons at school. 

 

In an attempt to get fit and lose some weight,  my dad set me a fun challenge to complete a 10km run before we went on holiday or I would have to stay at home! 

 

Then the date for my uncles race was confirmed (The Terry Midgely Interclub Handicap Race), and I thought it would provide the perfect opportunity for me to try and complete my challenge. 

 

The Terry Midgley Interclub Handicap 10km is an annual event organised in Terry’s memory. It is organised by Crossgates Harriers and St Theresa’s. When Terry was alive, he was an amazing runner and he always encouraged other people to run. 

 

When the race started, my confidence was through the roof. I think that was because I’d lost weight and felt fit. I started off well and did the first 5-6k pretty easily. But after that it got a lot harder. Mainly because of the heat on the day, and the hills on the course. I did want to quit at some points in the race. 

 

But I didn’t quit!

For three reasons.

1. The main one is because it was for my Uncle Terry. I didn’t want to let him down.
2. Another reason is my dad, Darren Midgley, who kept pushing me right until the very end.
3. The last reason was because I just don’t quit, I don’t class myself as a someone who gives up.

 

Me, my Dad and my stepmum all took part in the Race. My stepmum got 1st place, I got 2nd place, my Dad got 3rd place. There were nearly 60 runners taking part. 

 

I’m proud of everyone who took part and I hope that my friends, family and other people reading this can be proud of me, and take inspiration from my journey.”

 

And here at Run Leeds we certainly are proud Jack, keep up the excellent work!