Blackpool born Jake Baxter, 28, will fulfil his goal of running 26.2 miles at the adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 – after years of homelessness, abuse, weight gain and mental health issues.

Jake’s story begins in his childhood. His father was regularly abusive, which shattered his self-confidence from a young age. It would also lead Jake down a turbulent path in later life.

In 2009, Jake moved to Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with his mother and her new partner. Jake’s stepfather was dealing with alcohol addiction, leading him to verbally bully Jake and assault his mother and brother. Things came to a head when Jake decided to leave home altogether at age 16.

“I became homeless, and was alternating between sofa-surfing and spending nights on park benches. Eventually, I moved into a Rotherham-based shelter called Rush House, which helps homeless youth find accommodation. With their support, I moved into a bedsit and eventually a small flat. I owe a lot to them”.

However, it was at this time that the physical and emotional abuse Jake had endured began to take its toll.

“I found it difficult to form bonds with anyone. I was emotionally numb, and coped by consuming drugs, alcohol and food. I weighed 25 stone; I was unemployed and trying to pursue an acting career at Rotherham College. Performing was a form of catharsis for me – I enjoyed being someone else for a while.”

After being diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) in 2020, Jake was keen to help others in a similar situation.

“I moved to Manchester shortly after receiving my diagnosis, determined to make something of my life. Society can sometimes unfairly label people who deal with these conditions, and I wanted to prove that this isn’t the case at all.

“I wanted to show others with ASPD/BPD that despite the diagnosis, we deserve help, support and love. For me, physical exercise was a great way to show myself the kind of love I wanted others to feel.”

Since losing over 10 stone, Jake has now participated in several Hyrox events, and the Manchester Half 2024. Taking place on Sunday 27^th April 2025, the adidas Manchester Marathon will be a huge personal milestone for him, as his first ever marathon taking place in his home city.

“The marathon is among the ultimate tests of mental and physical strength. I’d love to complete the event in around four hours without needing to stop for the loo too many times, and ideally without getting injured – anything else is a bonus!”

On the day, Jake is looking forward to being cheered on by his brother, Robbie, and his mother, along with more than 125,000 enthusiastic spectators expected to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

“I want to prove to myself and others who perhaps have dealt with similar issues that anything is possible. My advice is quite simply two words – you can! You really can. The world may seem bleak at times, but that doesn’t last forever.

“No matter how much I’ve been through, I’ll always get back up – it’s a mark of the enduring nature of the human spirit.”

 

Thank you for sharing your story, Jake, and we can’t wait for you to smash it on 27th April!