Shakespeare Marathon 2025

Stratford-Upon-Avon became the location of my second marathon. Situated near Birmingham, it was a bright and sunny day for the run where you could smell all, "the perfumes of Arabia" (imagine in a Brummy accent). At 9:00am, the gun went 'Bang!' We were off.

We set off too quick and I knew we did. Jacob set his PR in the first 10km of the race. But my friend Riley said we should give that pace a go. It was very enjoyable running as a group but eventually it turned into just me and Riley. I'll be honest I was starting to feel the faster pace about half way through. Riley was looking strong and asked if I'm alright and I replied, "yeah, I'm feeling good."

Half way with Riley

As it grew closer to midday, the sun started to create some blistering heat. Riley and I felt like the water stations were a marathon away themselves. Around 16 miles in I was running solo as the water grew too far for Riley (he did soldier on by the way). I knew there was a big hill to overcome during the 18th mile as it was a two lap race and we experienced it on the first lap. I kept telling myself it would be easier after getting up and down: I was wrong. I did conquer the hill but afterwards I stopped.

I was struggling at this stage. My mind was telling me I was defeated, My body was telling me the same. I called my Girlfriend and Mum for motivation. The plan was to walk and run the last few miles, so I did. It wasn't easy. We were running in a quiet nature reserve, no finish line to be seen or heard. The 4 hour pacer passed me, which was frustrating, but I persisted: the goal was to finish the run now.

Getting it done!

The heat didn't die down as I marched and trotted on towards the finish line, water never tasted so good. As I got closer and hit the last mile Riley's Dad supported my last push and as I got even closer, practically finishing, Riley's sister ran with me a little and pushed me on even more. Thank you to both of them. I caught sight of my Mum which gave me the last incentive I needed to trot onto the final finish. As I ran through, a crowd surrounded me. I smiled as I saw friends and gave high fives to spectators. Arms opened, I crossed the finish line. What a relief!

Me crossing the finish line

It was emotional as I saw my Mum at the end, I gave her a big hug. I finished in 4 hours 16 minutes 58 seconds. Not too long after, Riley battled through and conquered the marathon, soon followed by Aaron and later by Jacob. It was a fantastic day to say the least, congratulations to all involved.

Overall, I had a great day despite the struggle. Psychologically it was a tough mental battle as well as physically. Having done a marathon before I certainly underestimated the second one. "I've done it before." I promise you, that doesn't make it any easier. Yes we set off too quick, but it's a lesson learned. Constantly aiming to persist and improve.

Thanks for reading. If you are debating running a marathon, do it!