Carrying More Than a Hay Bale: Lee Firmstone's 30-Challenge Mission

The UKRunChat podcast. · Aug 10, 2026 · 24m

At the Shrewsbury 10K this summer, one runner stood out from the crowd. While everyone else was trying to run as light as possible, Lee Firmstone crossed the start line carrying a 20kg hay bale on his back.

But this isn't about setting records or attracting attention.

Lee, better known as The Bale Man, is completing 30 challenges in memory of his friend Will. Will was a young farmer who would have turned 30 this year, inspiring Lee's year-long mission to honour his memory while raising money for Shropshire Rural Support, a charity supporting farming families and rural communities.

In this…