The Inspiring Journey of Runner Mike and Beads of Courage.
Posted on July 14 2026
Mike Cartwright, widely recognized as "Runner Mike," discusses his long-term commitment to marathon running and his dedicated partnership with the charity "Shine On Kids." The core of his involvement centres on the "Beads of Courage" initiative. During each marathon, Mike carries two beads; upon completion, he retains one and sends the other to a child in Japan undergoing serious medical treatment, such as cancer therapy. This process creates a meaningful connection between the athlete and the child, offering support during difficult recovery periods.
To date, Mike has completed 337 marathons over about a 20 year period!
The initiative serves a dual purpose: providing emotional encouragement to children facing painful, repetitive treatments and acting as a powerful psychological motivator for the runner. Mike notes that the responsibility of delivering a bead to a child helps him push through physical exhaustion, particularly when hitting the "wall" at the 32-kilometer mark. The beads themselves are handmade and donated by supporters, with participants like Mike contributing funds—typically 10,000 yen for three beads—to sustain the program. This collaborative effort highlights the impact of community-driven support in providing comfort to those in need.
Mike’s commitment to the cause remains steadfast, as he views the initiative as a vital incentive to maintain his health and performance. His long-term objective is to continue participating in marathons until he reaches the age of 100. The primary action item moving forward is to ensure the continued support of the "Shine On Kids" charity, allowing Mike to keep providing encouragement to children through his ongoing race participation.
If you would like to support this initiative, please click on this link. Any financial contribution, should you wish to make it, should be done directly with the charity through this link. https://sokids.org/what-we-do/beads-of-courage/
0 comments