4 Marathons I’ve Run More than Once (because they’re great)
I’ve run 20 marathons (including two ultra marathons) so I think I know a little bit about what it takes to make a great race. The best marathons have slick organisation, a good route and support that makes you want to go back and do it again. And for four races, that’s exactly what I did – I ran them again. Sometimes more than once.
The Greater Manchester Marathon
Times run: 3
Years run: 2013, 2015 and 2019
Course PB: 3:38
The Manchester Marathon has grown over the years and is now one of the top races in the UK. It has a big race feel wit lots of support throughout the route. The city has really embraced the marathon and you’ll definitely get that rockstar treatment as you run through the streets.
There were some early teething problems – the first year I ran it in 2013 the course was a bit short but that seems to have been a mistake the race has learnt and grown from.
Runners have been flocking to Manchester lured by the promise of one of the flattest marathons in the UK, and it definitely is flat. there’s just a couple of bridges to run over and as someone who lives and runs in The Fens I can say honestly that they’ll cause you no trouble.
Top tip: Book your accommodation early as the cheaper options around Salford Quays fill up fast.
Edinburgh Marathon
Times run: 2
Years run: 2012 and 2016
Course PB: 3:30
The Edinburgh Marathon is my PB race and where I ran my Boston Qualifying time, so it holds a special place in my heart. I was tempted there in 2012 when I wanted to run a sub-4 marathon for the first time (which I did), so when I needed a course to help me get a BQ, I headed back to Scotland.
The race describes itself as ‘net downhill’ meaning that over the 26.2 miles you go downhill more than you go uphill. This is because the race starts in the centre of Edinburgh and finishes in Musselburgh a few miles away and close to to the coast.
The race is held at the end of May so it gives you a few extra weeks of training in better weather than the bulk of the UK spring marathons, but this means that it can sometimes be a bit warm on race day – yes, even in Scotland.
Top tip: Stay over Sunday night and enjoy post-race celebrations in the city.
London Marathon
Times run: 3
Years run: 2014, 2015 and 2022
Course PB: 3:56
London Marathon is a race on most runners’ bucket lists and with good reason. You’ve probably grown up seeing the London Marathon on the TV – the theme music makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as soon as I hear it. It’s more than a race, it’s a celebration of running and the human spirit.
Of course it’s still possible to have a bad day out at the London Marathon. I had a shocking race the first year in 2014 but the crowds will cheer you on regardless.
The first two times I ran London Marathon I qualified via the Good For Age system. It had been a goal to run it for a long time and working towards that qualifying time really motivated me to improve my times. You can read how I finally qualified for London Marathon.
Top tip: If you’re running, share your live location via your phone or Strava Beacon so friends can spot you.
Brighton Marathon
Times run: 2
Years run: 2010 and 2012
Course PB: 3:59
Brighton Marathon has had a few bad years, which has ben a real shame to watch. I ran the first ever Brighton Marathon back in 2012 – it was my first ever marathon too. I went back in 2012 and ran with a friend and loved it.
It’s great that the race this year has been taken over by London Marathon Events who can hopefully turn it into the race that the city deserves. Brighton is a great city and deserves a marathon to be proud of.
Top tip: cool off in the sea after but have a friend on hand to help you back out of the water. Those pebbles are tricky on tired legs.
