Conquering 'The Wall'
with Ciaran Grimmer & Harry Parkes
Photos: Ciaran Grimmer & Harry Parkes
Seventy miles along the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, from Carlisle to Gateshead—“The Wall” ultra-marathon is a gruelling test of endurance and resilience. For Ciaran Grimmer and Harry Parkes, completing this challenge was more than just a personal milestone; it was a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and shared passion for pushing limits.
Ciaran’s journey to the starting line was nothing short of remarkable. As the founder of CG Massage Therapy, he has built a career around helping others recover from injuries and achieve their physical best. But his personal road was fraught with challenges, including three ACL reconstructions. Each surgery could have marked the end of his athletic pursuits, but instead, they became the foundation for his determination and his expertise in sports massage therapy.
Harry, a physiotherapist in the NHS, brought a complementary skillset to the duo. His professional experience of guiding patients through recovery gave him a unique perspective on the demands of endurance racing. Joining forces with Ciaran, Harry embraced the challenge of the ultra-marathon as an opportunity to test his own limits while applying the resilience he encourages in his patients every day.
The training was as demanding as the race itself. Long hours on the trails, early mornings, and meticulous recovery sessions defined the months leading up to the event. For Ciaran, every mile completed was a reminder of how far he’d come since his surgeries. For Harry, it was a chance to practise the discipline and perseverance that underpin his professional ethos.
Race day was everything they had prepared for and more. The opening miles passed smoothly, but as the day wore on and the terrain became tougher, the strain of the race began to bite. Ciaran, aware of his history with injuries, dug deep into the resilience that had carried him through his surgeries and recovery. Harry’s steady, methodical approach helped them stay focused, mile after mile.
After nearly 14 hours, the finish line came into view. Exhausted but elated, they crossed it together, completing what they had set out to achieve. The Wall was more than just a race; it was the culmination of hard work, determination, and a partnership that brought out the best in them both.
For Ciaran, the experience reinforced his belief in the importance of recovery and performance, values he brings to his work at CG Massage Therapy. For Harry, it was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from preparation and persistence, lessons he carries with him both on and off the racecourse.
Their achievement serves as an inspiration to anyone setting ambitious goals, proving that with dedication, teamwork, and the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
Follow their journey:
Ciaran Grimmer: @fitness_with_grim
Harry Parkes: @harrryparkes
CG Massage Therapy: Supporting recovery and performance. Learn more or book a session and follow on Instagram: @cg_massage_therapy