Name: Callum Sparkes

City: Boston, MA and Ipswich, UK

Profession: Medical Devices Recruiter

Fundraising Goal: $1,500

Race Goal: Sub 2:39:59, and then I’m retiring from trying to run these fast.

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis:

I (fortunately) don’t have a personal connection to spinal cord injury or paralysis, but it’s frightening hearing stories of how quickly & nonchalantly a life-changing injury like this can happen. I’m incredibly fortunate to be an active person and take advantage of that fact by being pretty active in running, playing football (soccer), and walking/biking as my main modes of transport – I’d love to raise money for those who don’t have this luxury because it could happen to any one of us at any time.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? Nope! I’ve run Paris, Buffalo, Fort Lauderdale, San Sebastián, and three on my lonesome.

What do you crave after a long run? A cold shower and blasting the Courteeners on the speaker.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? I don’t listen to anything, other than my own internal ramblings and trying to figure out if I’m lost enough (yet) to check Google Maps.

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? Visiting Chicago! I’ve heard the people and city are great, and heard nothing but good things about the race. Will be fun to meet the rest of the U2FP and have some people to experience it with.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Running, sleeping, watching comedies, and doing nothing. I also enjoy drinking beer :-)

Anything else you’d like to share? I’m from an average town in England called Ipswich, trying to visit as much of America as I can. Any tips for places to visit in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Toronto during this trip, let me know!