MudFest Marathon 2026

I started running in February to lose weight. At the time, I was 16.5 stone. I started on a treadmill, in rehab, I didn't actually get outside and start running properly until the end of May.

I've always been a slow runner. I focused on distance rather than pace, and for a long time that was fine by me, I was just happy to get out there and keep going. But recently I started training properly and taking it seriously. Now I weight around 11.5 stone and feel great.

Today's race wasn't just another race for me. It meant something beyond words.

Before the race, I wanted to run a sub-4-hour marathon. Deep down, though, I honestly didn't think I'd do it. Craig and I put together a plan beforehand, and I just focused on executing it.

And somehow, I did exactly that. I ran 26.27 miles in 3 hours, 56 minutes and 34 seconds.

Halfway through, I still didn't think I was going to make it. I didn't feel like I was running fast enough, and I started questioning whether the four-hour target was realistic. But I stuck to the plan. I kept going. I endured the pain and just concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.

Then, in the last 10km, I took myself to a very dark place mentally. I started thinking about the family I miss and everything I've been through. I used all of that emotion as fuel and just went for it, I found an explosion of energy exactly when I needed it most.

I finished the race completely broken. Physically, I had nothing left. Mentally, I had nothing left either.

Afterwards, I went into the bathroom to get changed out of my filthy running gear, and I just broke down crying. I hadn't cried in a very long time. All of the hurt, pain and suffering I'd been carrying, physically and mentally, came out all at once.

It was one of the most emotional moments I've ever experienced through running.

This race feels like a turning point. I started running because I wanted to lose weight. I never imagined it would become such a huge part of my life, or that I'd end up standing at the finish of a marathon having run 26.27 miles in under four hours.

I'm beyond words, and beyond emotion, really. I'm just incredibly proud of myself.

And I want to say a massive thank you to Craig and the club, for all the continued support, encouragement and belief in me, even when I've probably been a bit difficult at times! I genuinely couldn't have done it without you, mate.

This one meant more than just a time on a watch.

This one was personal.