Waterlooville runner completes 100-mile challenge for Autism Hampshire

14th January 2026

A local father has completed an extraordinary 100-mile run in just under 22 hours to raise funds and awareness for Autism Hampshire - inspired by his five-year-old autistic son.

Mike Austin, 35, from Waterlooville, took on the endurance challenge after previously running the London Marathon for Autism Hampshire last year, where he raised £3,227.

He has now completed four marathons for autism charities and is preparing for his fifth, with plans to return to the London Marathon in 2026.

Mike said: “I set the goal to run 100-miles in 24 hours after a conversation with my daughter, Rosie. We were talking about Christmas and what she wanted from Santa. I turned to Arthur (my son), and it instantly hit me that he could not say what he wanted from Santa this year, nor could he write it down.”

Arthur was diagnosed before his third birthday and is now five. Arthur’s daily experiences inspired Mike to take on an extreme endurance challenge.

“Arthur is autistic and non-verbal and faces more challenges in a day than I will likely face in a year,” said Mike. “Whilst facing these challenges he has the biggest heart, the most infectious laugh, and carries sheer courage and determination into everyday life - that’s what made me set a challenge for him, and every child out there trying to find their voice and place in today’s society.”

Mike deliberately gave himself limited time to prepare. He said: “Setting a challenge two weeks out left me with very little preparation or training block and that was purposeful as I wanted this to be a challenge worth the cause.”

Mike’s latest run is fundraising for Autism Hampshire. He has already raised £13,600 thanks to the generosity of friends, family and his employer, Lead Forensics.

Explaining why he chose to support Autism Hampshire, Mike highlighted the pressures facing autistic children and families.

“Autistic children need our help as specialist schools up and down this country are overworked, understaffed and full, and children are unable to receive the education and support they so desperately need and deserve.

“Charities like Avenues Group and Autism Hampshire provide them with a chance.”

Mike’s 100-mille run began at Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth at midday at the end of December and consisted of 7.3 laps around the city. Throughout the challenge, Mike was supported by friends and family.

He completed the run non-stop in 21 hours and 47 minutes.

Reflecting on the physical and emotional challenge, Mike said: “The run honestly took me to places I didn’t think I could go but, any time it got tough, I thought of my son and why I was completing this challenge.

“Arthur taught me the greatest gift in life and that is that love needs no words, it can be created and shared in actions. I wanted to try and give him something back.

“The love and support from my wife, family, friends and workplace made it for me and their generosity still amazes me.”

To support Mike and his fundraising efforts, visit https://avenuesgroup.enthuse.com/pf/michael-austin-2026.