At most running events you’ll see people trying to make themselves as light as possible. Carbon shoes, lightweight vests and carefully planned nutrition are all part of race day.
Then there’s Lee Firmstone.
At the Shrewsbury 10K this summer, Lee crossed the start line carrying something very different on his back: a 20kg hay bale.
It certainly grabbed people’s attention, but for Lee, better known online as The Bale Man, the hay bale isn’t about setting records or becoming an internet sensation. It’s a tribute to a close friend, a way of raising awareness for rural mental health, and a reminder that the heaviest things we carry in life often can’t be seen.
The story behind The Bale Man
Lee’s mission began in memory of his friend Will, a young farmer who tragically died in a hit-and-run incident in April 2022.
The pair grew up together, attended secondary school together and remained close throughout adulthood, despite taking different paths in life.
“Any issues, we were only ever a phone call or a text away from each other,” Lee told the UKRunChat Podcast.
Will would have celebrated his 30th birthday this year, and that milestone inspired Lee to create a challenge that would ensure his friend’s memory lived on.
He’s now taking on 30 running and walking challenges over the course of a year, with every event raising money for Shropshire Rural Support, a charity chosen by Will’s family that provides practical and emotional support to farming families and rural communities.
The hay bale itself is a nod to Will’s life as a farmer.
From lockdown runner to charity fundraiser
Like many runners, Lee only discovered running during the COVID pandemic.
With grassroots football suspended, he headed out for a short run to stay active.
“It becomes addictive,” he laughed on the podcast. “One mile became two, two became four, and it just carried on.”
Running soon replaced football completely, although even Lee admits he never imagined he’d one day be running races carrying farm equipment.
Running a 10K with a 20kg hay bale
The bale weighs around 20kg and is attached to a specially adapted carrying frame using ratchet straps.
It isn’t simply the weight that makes it difficult.
Because the load sits high on his back, Lee has had to abandon any thoughts of efficient running form.
“There is no technique,” he said.
“It’s just one foot in front of the other until I finish.”
Every hill feels steeper. Every mile demands more energy. His shoulders, back and legs all take a beating, particularly on hilly courses like the Shrewsbury 10K.
Yet the support from spectators has made every challenge worthwhile.
People stop to ask questions, take photographs and, once they hear the story behind the hay bale, many choose to donate or simply offer words of encouragement.
The emotional moment that made it all worthwhile
Although Lee had spent weeks planning his first challenge, nothing prepared him for the emotions waiting at the finish.
After completing his first parkrun carrying the hay bale, family and friends were there to greet him, including his young son.
Crossing the finish line was a proud moment, but it also marked the beginning of something much bigger than a fundraising challenge.
Within weeks, local media had picked up the story and social media interest had exploded, with tens of thousands of people watching his videos online.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Lee says it has only strengthened his determination to keep going.
Supporting rural mental health
One of the most important parts of Lee’s challenge is shining a light on the pressures faced by farming communities.
Long hours, financial uncertainty, isolation and the responsibility of maintaining family farms can all have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.
That’s why every penny raised goes to Shropshire Rural Support, an organisation providing confidential advice, practical help and emotional support to people working in agriculture and rural industries.
Lee has also attended charity events alongside Will’s family, where he’s seen first-hand how much the charity means to the local community.
“It’s a fantastic group of people,” he said.
What’s next for The Bale Man?
Lee has no intention of slowing down.
His list of 30 challenges already includes parkruns and local 10Ks, but bigger adventures are planned over the coming months.
On his wish list are:
- More 10Ks and half marathons
- A marathon carrying the hay bale
- Walking up Snowdon
- Completing the Three Peaks Challenge
- And, perhaps the biggest dream of all, taking the hay bale around the London Marathon if he can secure a place.
He’s also appealing to race organisers and businesses who may be be willing to support the challenge by donating race entries or sponsoring individual events.
In return, sponsors can have their logo displayed on the hay bale, a sponsorship opportunity that’s certainly guaranteed to attract attention.
How to support Lee
If you’d like to follow Lee’s journey, support his fundraising or offer sponsorship for one of his remaining challenges, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook.
Click here to visit his fundraising page
If you spot Lee at a race over the next year, don’t forget to give him a cheer.
