Why a brush with homelessness inspired one man to keep running and running

In 2016, things went wrong for ultra-marathon runner Gabriel Flores – really wrong. Running wise he was at the peak of his career having qualified for The Spartathlon, an epic 153 mile (247 km) running race from Athens to Sparta as part of the British Team. But when a six-year relationship ended abruptly, a major work project failed, like many people, he quickly found himself out of money.

As a professional coach, he tried offering special deals to attract more clients, but that only made things worse. He was busy but not earning enough to cover his rent. Caught in a vicious cycle of juggling expenses, borrowing from friends, and running out of options, Gabriel eventually missed a rent payment. His landlord evicted him.

“I saved a few boxes of things I treasured most. I had one suitcase, a backpack, and a few boxes, which I stored at a friend’s place. But I later lost touch with him – he was one of several people I couldn’t pay back, and I didn’t dare to face him. My life was reduced to a massive suitcase and a backpack. I stayed briefly at friends’ houses, moving from one to the next. But eventually, I felt it was too much to ask of anybody else.”

And so, Gabriel ended up on the streets.

“I slept on a bench in Stratford Centre – an open-plan shopping mall in East London. As the weather turned from autumn to winter, many people made this place their night shelter. I felt alone.

Yet, an entire community existed there, sleeping rough night after night. There were people from all walks of life – many had degrees and had held good jobs before being laid off. One man had been a lawyer until a bad breakup sent him into a tailspin. Others had served their country, struggled to adjust to civilian life, and were ultimately ‘forgotten’ after returning from service.”

For Gabriel, this was the lowest point of his life. Yet, despite living out of a suitcase, he managed to keep a couple of clients, which provided just enough income to occasionally afford a hostel stay.

As an ultra-marathon runner, Gabriel deeply missed running while sleeping rough. Whenever his possessions were safely stored in a hostel, he would go out for a run.

“Occasionally, if I had enough money, I’d stay at the Astor Museum Youth Hostel near the British Museum. I started offering free ‘running tours’ for other guests, which earned me goodwill from the hostel staff. That made me feel useful and valued – such an important confidence boost. There were so many things I couldn’t control in my life at that time, but I could always put on my running shoes and go for a run. Having that sense of control and purpose definitely helped me cope.”

A Life-Changing Encounter

After four months of experiencing homelessness, Gabriel’s luck changed.

“One day the client I was meeting (who was also a long-time friend) asked me how I was. When I said I was fine and changed the subject, she stopped me and said let’s stop this meeting and get pizza. As soon as I started talking, the floodgates opened. That day, she insisted I come live with her in her spare room for as long as I needed. I was so relieved – it had just turned December. She saved my life in more ways than she will ever know.”

Running for a Cause

Gabriel’s experience with homelessness later inspired him to participate in HARP24, HARP annual 24-hour endurance trail running event, which has been going for 12 years. He has competed in the event four times and won the Solo Male Runner prize in 2023.

“I wish I had known about charities like HARP when I was in that situation. When you’re homeless, you feel a deep sense of shame, which makes it hard to ask for help.

The work that HARP does for people experiencing homelessness in Essex is incredible. That’s why I encourage anyone looking for a 24-hour endurance event to give HARP24 a try. It’s such a well-organised event, and the camaraderie keeps you going.

If you’re looking for a fresh running challenge, I’d definitely recommend a 24-hour race. It’s your own challenge – nobody else’s – so you can run as little or as much as you like.”

Moving Forward

“It’s been quite a journey, but things are finally accelerating forward. I’m surrounded by a loving, supportive, and empowered network of amazing people.

Unfortunately, not everyone has that kind of support – which is why charities like HARP are so vital.”