‘I ran the London Marathon virtually with MyWay!’

  • Posted: 3 October 2025

My story begins back in April 2024 when I volunteered with my running group at the London Marathon.

Later that year my name was pulled out of a hat as a reserve runner in the Marathon of 2025. Fine. Then a friend said, ‘oh you still have to train in case anything happens, then you have to fill in!"

I signed up for a virtual marathon

Another friend suggested, ‘why not sign up for the Marathon MyWay virtual event where you complete 26.2 miles however and wherever you wish on Marathon Day.

‘That way, you're doing the training, but if you’re not call up as a reserve it's not wasted.’

That made sense so I signed up. I decided to run in my local area of East London as it was familiar to me.

Running for a reason 

The further I progressed with the training, thoughts of ‘what am I thinking’ came to mind. I kept doing and trying not to think too much. 

As reality was getting closer, I thought raising money for Bipolar UK would be a way of making a difference to others and taking the focus off myself and it would also help me to keep going come the day. Also, people would ask if I was doing it for charity. 

I wanted to run for our local Bipolar UK support group in East London because it had been a massive help to our daughter when bipolar entered our world. Something we had absolutely no knowledge about or experience of. Such dark times.

Helping to spread awareness

When I mentioned to someone that I was running for Bipolar UK, they told me they had experienced it in their family but didn't know there was a charity.

I felt I'd helped to raise awareness and was happy.

People were very supportive and generous in donating once I'd set up the fundraising page. I reached my target without having to have another plan.

I really appreciated all the help and support. I felt so touched by it all. Those who were not online gave cash donations.

Pre-event nerves

The week of the marathon, that voice appeared again ‘what am I thinking, what am I doing?’ ‘Can I do this?’

I was trying not to overdo things during the week leading up to the big day, and was hoping not to pick up an injury.

On the eve of the event, I felt ready to get it done, and was just wanting to be on the other side of things. I was early to bed.

Marathon Day!

D Day, Marathon MyWay - up at 4am.

6.30am - I'm off!

Friends and family were at the start to see me off. I was so touched by all the support. Apart from one section, I had people supporting along the route. Also, my good friend Jackie cycled slowly behind me for two hours and my friend Diane ran the whole of the second lap by my side.

None of this was planned. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this and remember how people showed up for me.

There were so many highlights! People were cheering and clapping me as I ran, the known and the unknown and beeping horns giving me a boost.

My children were riding their bikes along the route and my husband was in the car with a couple of neighbours taking photos and giving me my gels to give me a quick sugar boost at the appropriate time.

The finish line

When the finish line was in sight and I could see happy faces ahead, suddenly I was struck with cramp. Ouch! My son came to the rescue and helped me with a few stretches. As I started running again, I got cramp in the other leg! More stretches. Short pause. I was off again to the end of the road, turned and ran around the community garden path.

‘Where's the finish line?’ I said to my husband, checking my Garmin watch which tracks distance... Then I hit the finish tape because 26.2 miles had been COMPLETED!

Six hours thirty-nine minutes twenty-eight seconds. Phew! I did it!

People were there at the end to share and witness the moment, including a representative from the local Bipolar UK support group. It was lovely to chat to everyone and relive it all again. I celebrated with refreshments and cake. The sun was shining too.

Post-event high

I was on such a lovely high for the week that followed. It was a great achievement, and a fantastic amount of money was raised – £1,752– thanks to people's generosity.

To this day, I still can't quite believe I ran a marathon!

Are you considering fundraising for Bipolar UK? Do it. Especially if the condition has touched your world. The team is approachable and helpful if you have any questions. Take the next step.

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