A runner will take on the 2026 Cross Bay Half-Marathon barefoot in support of CancerCare.
Rob Cant, an experienced distance runner from Warrington, is preparing to cross the sands of Morecambe Bay on Saturday 4th July without shoes to raise funds.
Rob completed the Cross Bay Challenge each year from 2012 to 2015 and says the event left a lasting impression.
Rob said: “It’s always been well organised, with good support along the route. Running across the Bay in July brings its own atmosphere, but conditions can vary significantly.”
The half-marathon, which is making a return after a 10-year hiatus, begins at Arnside Promenade and finishes at Cark Airfield.
The course sets out on soft sand before moving onto firmer tidal ground. Weather and rainfall influence the difficulty of the course. During one previous event, Rob encountered around ten fast-moving channels of water, with one section reaching above waist height.
“The route depends on the rain the night before and the state of the tide. Some years you cross multiple river sections, and the depth and speed can change quickly,” he added.
Rob’s decision to run barefoot is based on preferred technique. Barefoot running encourages a forefoot landing pattern, which can reduce impact through the knee when compared with heel striking in traditional running shoes. However, he stresses that it requires proper preparation and coaching.
He has worked with Alexander Technique coach John Woodward, who advocates careful training and technique development for barefoot runners.
“You need guidance and time to adapt. It’s not something you attempt without preparation,” Rob said. “The beach terrain makes this event one of the few half-marathons where barefoot running is feasible.”
Outside of running, Rob volunteers with a Liverpool-based cancer charity and is a qualified massage therapist, providing treatments to cancer patients. Although he has previously supported CancerCare informally through participation in Bay events, this year he is formally fundraising for the charity.
“Combining the run with fundraising makes sense. It’s an opportunity to raise money while doing something I already value.”
In preparation, Rob recommends a minimum of two months of training, running two to three times per week and gradually building to 5K and 10K distances. He advises runners to practise on uneven terrain and in wet conditions, as shoes and socks are likely to become soaked early in the race. Toward the later stages near Cark, tidal compression can create firm, irregular surfaces that alter running patterns and increase fatigue.
“It isn’t a standard road race. The terrain changes throughout, so it helps to prepare for that,” he concluded.
The Cross Bay Half-Marathon 2026 provides an opportunity for runners to take part in a unique challenge event while supporting local cancer services.
Registration is now open. There are various ticket options available, depending on your preference for fundraising.
For more information and to register, click below.