Sgt Mike Templeman is running an ultra marathon to honour Lincolnshire’s road crash victims

Mike Templeman, a response sergeant of the Lincolnshire Police, is going to be running a 48 mile ultra marathon to honour the 48 lives lost on Lincolnshire roads in 2022. He will be completing this challenge on Sunday 19th November, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic victims, and is raising funds to be split between RoadPeace and Brake. We asked Mike some questions to understand what has motivated him.

How has your experience as a police officer shaped your views on road danger?

Massively. I see first hand the destruction caused to families, friends and communities when a loved one is killed or seriously injured and get quite angry when I attend fatal collisions in particular as the majority, barring a medical episode are avoidable.

I stop way too many people committing offences that put themselves and others in danger on the roads.

What has motivated you to undertake such a monumental challenge?

I wanted to do an event this year that would capture the public’s interest and felt that running 48 miles to honour the 48 people killed on Lincolnshires roads would hopefully do that. Being the world remembrance day for road crash victims makes the event even more poignant.

I also feel I have a good platform to help raise awareness around Fatal 5 offences and really feel the narrative around road traffic offences/crime needs to change. Too many people think ‘It will never happen to me.’ Or that they have never been involved in an RTC so they appear blasé when caught committing offences rather than accepting that they could of killed themselves or others with their actions.

If I can just reach some of  those people and get them to just stop and think when they hear what I have to say then hopefully the roads will be a safer place.

Why have you chosen to support RoadPeace?

RoadPeace do such fantastic work supporting families that I wanted to do all I could to not only raise money but to also make more people aware of the great work you do.

I’ve had so much feedback from families that have lost loved ones highlighting how wonderful you are which just makes it all the more worthwhile.

What are you most dreading and looking forward to on the day?

As its November I’m a little bit concerned about the weather on the day and I’m not a young man anymore so 48 miles will be a real challenge, however by getting the community involved, I will hopefully have a lot of support on the day as well as lots of willing volunteers to run a lap or too with me.

I am aware a few families who have lost loved ones may be in attendance and I guess I just want to do them proud, it may be an emotional day.

If you could make one change to our roads, what would it be?

If I could just get people to walk a day in my shoes and see first-hand the horrific things I see, then I’m sure they would take more responsibility for others as well as their own safety.

You can donate to RoadPeace in support of Mike’s amazing efforts here

We can’t thank Mike enough for his dedication to raising awareness of the devastation occurring every day on our roads, and for his support of RoadPeace. Those living near the Yarborough Leisure Centre where Mike will be completing this challenge are more than welcome to go down and show your support.

Updated on: 15 November 2023