Piers Craddock took up running in March. From 23 November he will run seven marathons in seven days round Norman Park, Bromley, to raise money for ANDYSMANCLUB.

Piers Craddock will run seven marathons in seven days around Norman Park in Bromley, from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 November, to raise money for ANDYSMANCLUB, the charity that runs free talking groups for men. He only started running in March this year.

His JustGiving page, “7 Marathons in 7 Days - ANDYSMANCLUB & ROAD TO 1%”, went live on 6 October with a £1,000 target. It had not yet recorded a total when we checked it that evening.

Why he is running

Piers, the founder of a business called Road to 1%, told us the charity’s cause is a personal one:

“ANDYSMANCLUB’s work matters to me because it gives men places where they can talk, be heard, or simply listen and connect with others. I had a troubling childhood and struggled with my mental health (A deeper story to be told), I often felt I didn’t have anyone I could relate to or speak openly with. I believe strongly in the importance of spaces like ANDYSMANCLUB’s and in spreading the message that it’s okay to talk.”

On his fundraising page he puts it more bluntly: “I know how isolating that can feel.”

ANDYSMANCLUB describes itself on the same page as a charity that “facilitates groups where men aged 18 and above can speak openly about their issues in a non judgmental environment through shared experiences.” Its groups, it says, “run nationwide every Monday 7pm except bank holidays and are completely volunteer-led with no charge to any man.”

From fitness to Road to 1%

Getting fit was what turned things round for him, Piers says, and it led to the business:

“Later, health and fitness helped me find a positive way forward. That experience led me to create Road to 1%, a business that brings men together and gives them practical tools to get back on track and work towards becoming the best version of themselves. Through mindset, community, fitness and nutrition plans, it offers structure and support to help men make progress, one step at a time. I created it so other men can access the guidance and support I wish I’d had when I was younger.”

He sees the charity and the business doing two different jobs for the same men:

“ANDYSMANCLUB offers men a place to talk and be heard, while Road to 1% provides practical ways to build routines and work towards goals. I believe that feeling connected and having positive next steps can help men feel less alone when life gets difficult. I want to share my story with men across the UK and around the world, and remind them that support is available and there can be a way forward.”

Wide grass playing fields at Norman Park under a blue sky, with goalposts, a low pavilion building and a few people playing football in the distance, trees behind
The playing fields at Norman Park, Bromley. Photo: jodastephen, Flickr, CC BY 2.0

From first run to seven marathons in eight months

Seven marathons in seven days is about 183 miles of running in a week. Piers took his first steps as a runner in March, a little over eight months before the start:

“I only started running in March this year. Since then, I’ve been setting myself endurance challenges to raise awareness and show that we can achieve more than we think when we set our minds to something. Seven marathons in seven days is my biggest challenge yet, and I hope sharing the journey will encourage others to believe in themselves too.”

His page ends with a plain request: “Any donation or share would mean a lot. Thank you for helping spread the message.”

What it means for you

  • The dates: Monday 23 November to Sunday 29 November 2026, one marathon a day.
  • The place: laps of Norman Park in Bromley. Piers has not yet published start times or a route, so if you want to run a stretch with him or cheer from the side, his JustGiving page is the place to watch for updates.
  • To give: donations go to ANDYSMANCLUB through the fundraising page, which is open until February 2027.
  • If you are a man who wants somewhere to talk: ANDYSMANCLUB’s groups are free, for men aged 18 and over, and meet every Monday at 7pm except bank holidays. Details are on andysmanclub.co.uk.

We will report how he got on after the week is done. If you are part of a Bromley club or group raising money this winter, tell us at hello@bromleyonline.co.uk.