A bishop has found a calling outside the church — hitting the terrain in gruelling ultra-marathons up to 100km long.
The Right Reverend Dr Michael Volland is also a keen surfer when it comes to life away from his Church of England posting in Birmingham.
His lengthy roll of endurance events includes the epic 100km Race to the Stones along the ancient Ridgeway and he is due to trade robes for running gear at Sunday’s AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.
‘I like the sense of freedom that comes from just leaving your house and running down the street,’ Dr Volland explained.
‘I value the space to think and look around.
‘After a run I often feel more mentally alert and have a sense of inner peace and calm. Running is a gift from God. It creates space to think, pray and be refreshed and it gives me a lot of joy.’
The married father-of-three is training for his 17th ultramarathon alongside taking part in Sunday’s event for 16,000 people of all ages and abilities.
Away from the land-locked city, he loves surfing and has been a member of a charity called Christian Surfers UK for 30 years.
The clergyman explained that exercise and his spiritual calling have more in common than might meet the eye.
‘I’m generally more joyful when I find time to run,’ he said.
‘In that sense, running is essential to being a good bishop.
‘People are sometimes surprised that I find time to run.
‘Most people then tell me that they wish they could find time.
‘I try and encourage them to choose to give it a try.
‘You don’t have to run far or fast. Even 20 minutes down the road and back can be a positive thing and will make a difference.’
Dr Volland’s first taste of running was through athletics at school.
‘After that, I didn’t really run until I was in my mid-40s, when I signed up for a half marathon,’ he explained.
‘While I was training for that I decided to sign up for an ultra-marathon.
‘I completed my first three ultras the following year, including the 100km Race to the Stones.’
Last year, when he became Bishop of Birmingham, he decided to sign up for the Great Birmingham Run half marathon.
‘I thought it would be good to take part in an exciting mass-participation event that would also help me see a bit of the city and raise money for an important cause,’ he said.
‘It was a beautiful day and the atmosphere was superb.
‘It was very well organised and there were lots of people supporting on the streets.’
This year, Dr Volland is running the 13.1 miles to raise money for a charity called Thrive Together Birmingham.
‘Thrive Together Birmingham does a brilliant job of supporting people on the margins,’ he said.
‘They bring together individuals and churches to address poverty and help communities to flourish.
‘Because I believe that God loves Birmingham and the people who live here, I am committed to playing my part alongside others – including Thrive – in building a flourishing Birmingham.’
While the bishop sees running as a gift from God, he will be leaving his cassock at home.
‘I will be aiming for a reasonable time, so will be in my running gear and not my robes!’ he smiled.
The half marathon is part of a weekend celebration of running events being held in the city over the Bank Holiday weekend.
On Saturday, children have the chance to run at the home of the city’s Commonwealth Games heroics — the Alexander Stadium — in junior and mini runs.
The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run half marathon and 10k are due to start on Sunday outside the Library of Birmingham and take in landmarks including the world-famous Jewellery Quarter before a grandstand finish in Smithfield.
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