Graham Sleightholme

Graham Sleightholme is an avid endurance trail runner, gear tester, and vegan advocate. Here's how he first got into the sport and found his feet as a writer...

My day job is working for a vegetarian food co-operative, which is very left of centre with no hierarchy. But alongside this, I'm also a full-time dad and real family man. My interests are eclectic, which includes the role of Punk gig promoter and being vegan for the past 28 years.

At the age of 40, I took up running to stave off the "office spread". As a solo endeavour, I went from couch to 5km, to half marathon runner, all over the course of a year. Trail running then followed as I found it intriguing. That's when the real enjoyment came.

Since then, it's been a steady flow of half marathons and full marathons. I love the complete freedom, being out in nature and seeing wildlife. Most trail runners will attest that putting a few miles in always helps clear the head.

As a bit of a loner, I didn't join a club for many years. But once I did it really kicked my running goals and achievements up a notch.

Discovering the trails all those years ago gave me new routes and new friends, and really a whole new way of life. Now, I not only take on awesome endurance runs, but get to test and review running gear too!

The only regret? Not doing it sooner.

Top image: Keynsham Dandy