A man with autism who is planning on running the Manchester Marathon this weekend also has his eyes set on becoming the first openly autistic triathlete to complete a full Ironman later this year.
Sam Holness, 29, is set to take on the country’s best runners at the 26.2-mile marathon event this Sunday (April 2), which runs through Manchester and into Trafford. He hopes to complete the marathon run within three hours.
Sam, who hails from Kingston in London, said the Manchester Marathon forms part of his preparation to become the first openly autistic triathlete to complete a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a full marathon as part of the Ironman tournament.
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With the marathon also taking place around Autism Awareness Day, Sam says running in Manchester is an opportunity for him to raise awareness of autism. “I love to run,” Sam said. “But the Manchester Marathon is going to be a bit special for me.
“As the marathon falls the day after Autism Awareness Day, I have a responsibility to try extra hard. I am running it for all the autistic people out there who feel like they can’t do it. I want to show them what is possible.”
Around 13,000 runners are expected to take part in the Manchester Marathon this weekend. If Sam achieves his goal of finishing within three hours, he is likely to place in the top 3% of finishers based on last year’s results.
Following the marathon, Sam will be flying to Frankfurt in June for the full Ironman event. He hopes that by completing the Ironman, he will be able to inspire those with autism to take up sport and achieve their goals.
“I want to show people that my autism doesn’t affect my sport,” Sam explained. “Anyone can pull on some shoes and go for a run.”
Growing up, Sam says he has always been active in sports and exercise. He studied Sports Science at St Mary’s University with a focus on managing autism in sport. He also won the Patrick Lawless Award recognizing his personal development while at university.
Posting on Instagram, where he has almost 5,000 followers, Sam previously wrote: "I am fortunate that I have a special interest in sports and doing sport has helped with my nutrition. It has also helped to give me a better quality of life and confidence.
"I am Sam, and I am an athlete with autism rather than an autistic athlete. It doesn't matter. I just want to be accepted for who I am."
Sam says he first set his sights on becoming a professional sports person in 2019. Since then, he’s been under the watchful eye of dad Tony Holness, who also serves as his coach.
Supported by global sports companies like shoe brand HOKA, Sam's currently trains for around 24 hours each week. In 2020, Sam was shortlisted for The Shaw Trust Power 100, a list of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK.
"Two years ago, we didn't even dream of this," Tony said. “We have been on a journey ever since and are now coming to great events like the Manchester Marathon, looking to break a time that most neurotypical athletes can only dream of.
“Sam really is capable of achieving incredible results. But sport to Sam is more than just the podium. If Sam can inspire others to take up sport and raise awareness of autism – that is a huge part of our mission.
“Sam is my hero. He’s dedicated to his sport and focused on doing his best at everything in a way that even professional athletes struggle to do in terms of time and drive. What more could you ask for as a father and coach?”
You can follow Sam on Instagram here.
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