Story by Tom Sharples

 

My running story started 2 years ago, when I nervously signed up for my first half marathon, in my home town of Bournemouth. I’ve always been a sporty person, but never actually trained specifically for an event, and I went into this event quite naive to the challenge ahead.

 

The event was amazing, but my training and preperation certainly wasn’t. For example I used my brothers old football boots, which were the wrong size and had holes in them …

 

Inevitably, this led to injury. But during this time, I was encouraged by my work colleagues to enter the London Marathon Ballot, which I was told, no one ever won due to the number of entries …

 

Well….. Guess what!! I won, and I am unbelievably grateful that I did. I thought as I won the ballot (which no one ever wins), I might as well train and work hard for it. I raised money for GOSH and the day itself was simply … the best day of my life!!

Post marathon, I absolutely fell in love with the process of self improvement and that ‘runners high’!!

 

Continuing on from the marathon in April 2023, I’ve completed multiple distances across the board and I’m now looking to improve my personal bests.

 

This year, I’ve completed a couple of big goals for me, which include 13 half marathons in 13 weeks, my first ULTRA Marathon, sub 20 minute 5 km and sub 1:35 HM.

 

BUT the best thing I have found on this crazy running journey, is the community that lives behind it. Whether that be at local ParkRuns, run clubs, on social media, at events and even people just running about in the streets. EVERYONE is so supportive and encouraging.

 

I’ve shared my running journey from the past year on my Instagram account and the support I’ve received has been unreal!

 

2025 promises big things!! Seville Marathon in February, followed by my longest run ever!! (100 km + Ultra). Running has opened so many doors for me – you just never know what’s waiting round the corner🙂