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From First Steps, to Race Director of the Cross Bay Half Marathon: With Kat Michaels
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
In this podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Kat Michaels, Deputy Head of Fundraising at CancerCare, about her journey from running just 1km a day as a new mum to completing half marathons and leading major fundraising efforts. Kat shares simple, practical advice on building consistency, setting goals, and raising money effectively through personal storytelling and community support. She also gives insight into organising the Cross Bay Half Marathon, a unique event where runners cross Morecambe Bay, a tidal bay, with a route that changes based on conditions and is only finalised at the last minute. It's an inspiring mix of running, fundraising, and behind-the-scenes event planning.
HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
A Simple Start That Sparked Something Bigger
Kat’s running journey didn’t begin with grand ambitions, it started with a single kilometre.
As a new mum looking for a manageable way to regain fitness, she committed to running every day during a cold January. What began as short, gentle runs gradually built into something much more meaningful.
“It is surprising how much you can build up with that commitment and that perseverance to achieve something.”
That early consistency laid the foundation for everything that followed, from her first 5K colour dash in Morecambe to tackling longer distances with growing confidence.
Building Strength, Confidence, and Community
Kat’s progression from 5K to 10K, and eventually to half marathons was driven not just by personal determination, but by the power of community. Whether running with neighbours at night using head torches or participating in group Cross Fit challenges like the demanding “Clovis” workout, she discovered that shared effort makes big goals feel achievable. Her advice to new runners is refreshingly practical: start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to walk when needed. Most importantly, have a goal.
“Having something to work towards… or choosing a local charity that’s close to your heart… really does give you that passion, that energy and drive.”
Running With Purpose: Fundraising That Works
As a fundraising professional, Kat brings a unique perspective on combining running with charitable impact. She emphasises that storytelling is at the heart of successful fundraising.
Whether it’s sharing a personal connection to a cause or celebrating milestones publicly, people are far more likely to support a journey they feel emotionally connected to.
She also highlights a key insight many fundraisers overlook:
“Once you’ve done the race… you tend to increase your pages by around 25% because people love to say, well done.”
Her practical tips include:
Share your story widely (before and after the event)
Combine online fundraising with traditional methods like bake sales or workplace activities
Explore employer match funding
Always remember Gift Aid to boost donations
The Ultimate Challenge: Crossing the Bay
Kat’s biggest undertaking yet is organising the Cross Bay Half Marathon, a truly unique event that sees runners cross Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Cark. It's not been run for 10 years, which in itself throws up lots of challenges.
Behind the Scenes: Organising the Cross Bay Half Marathon
While the idea of running across a tidal bay sounds magical, the reality of being race director and organising such an event is incredibly complex. Kat describes it as her most ambitious project to date, and for good reason: this isn’t just a race, it’s a constantly evolving operation shaped by nature.
A Course That Doesn’t Exist (Until the Last Minute)
Unlike traditional races with fixed routes, the Cross Bay Half Marathon has no permanent course. The exact path across the sands depends on ever-changing environmental conditions; tides, weather, rainfall, and the shifting landscape of the bay itself. Organisers can only begin assessing the route once the “season” opens in May. Even then, nothing is final until just before race day.
“It’s not actually finalised until the night before… we have to take in the elements.”
This means flexibility is built into every level of planning. Multiple contingency routes (Plan B, C, and beyond) are prepared to ensure the event can go ahead safely, even if conditions change dramatically.
Safety First: Guided Across a Living Landscape
The bay is not just scenic; it’s potentially dangerous. Sands can shift, channels can deepen, and tides can move quickly. That’s why the race is led by highly experienced guides known as the King’s Guide to the Sands. They are responsible for:
Leading runners safely across the bay
Monitoring conditions in real time
Adjusting the route if necessary
Runners must also keep moving at all times, standing still on the sands can be risky due to changing ground conditions.
Support on the day is unlike any other race:
Tractors guide the front and back of the field
Additional vehicles and marshals move alongside participants
Safety teams monitor key crossing points, including the main tidal channel
The Infamous Channel Crossing
One of the most unique features of the race is the channel crossing, typically encountered a couple of miles into the run. Its depth and width vary depending on recent weather and tidal patterns, making each year’s experience different. For runners, it’s part challenge, part adventure, adding an element you simply won’t find in standard road races.
Logistics on a Massive Scale
Behind the scenes, the logistical demands are huge. Kat highlights just how much goes into making the event viable:
Coordinating transport (including optional coaches from finish to start)
Setting up a finish-line “runner’s village” with food, drinks, and facilities
Managing safety teams, equipment, and communications across a remote environment
Planning for unpredictable conditions, including worst-case scenarios
Even basic elements, like portable toilets, become significant cost considerations when staging an event in such a unique location.
Balancing Cost and Fundraising
One of the biggest challenges is financial. Entry fees alone don’t cover the cost of delivering the event, which is why fundraising is a key component. Kat and her team carefully assess:
Break-even points based on runner numbers
Fundraising targets per participant
Risk scenarios if participation or donations fall short
“It’s looking at numbers now… what are we going to bring back into the charity?”
This balance between delivering an unforgettable experience and ensuring meaningful fundraising impact is central to the event’s success.
A True Bucket List Experience
Despite the challenges, the Cross Bay Half Marathon stands out as a once-in-a-lifetime event. From running across open sands to navigating natural obstacles, it offers something no standard race can replicate. For Kat, it’s not just about logistics, it’s about creating an experience that connects people with nature, challenge, and purpose. Perhaps that’s what makes it so special: every detail, every decision, and every step across the bay is shaped by something bigger than the race itself.
The event perfectly captures what makes running and fundraising, so powerful: challenge, unpredictability, and a shared sense of achievement.
Final Thoughts
Kat’s journey is a reminder that running doesn’t have to start with speed or distance—it starts with showing up. Whether you're running your first kilometre or planning a half marathon, the key ingredients remain the same: consistency, community, and purpose. When you combine running with fundraising, every step can make a difference—not just for you, but for others too.
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