Inspire

Feeling the pain of not winning out in the London Marathon ballot this year? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

The London Marathon is the pinnacle of athletics performance in the UK. It sees the likes of Eluid Kipchoge, Shura Kitata and Brigid Kosgei grace the same course as tens of thousands of runners, fundraising heroes, and of course the wacky Guinness Book of Record Breakers (like the man who spent 6 days crawling the course dressed as a gorilla).

What can I do instead of the London Marathon?

Though it’s certainly a special race, the atmosphere, community spirit and camaraderie of the London Marathon can be more than matched by lots of marathons happening across the country this year. 

From the “other” run and the One Day I’ll Do London races on the date of the London marathon itself to beloved marathons in historic Clarendon and Loch Ness, you can still secure a marathon spot for 2022 today–no ballot required!

We’ve rounded up our top five UK marathons happening this year that we’d hate you to miss out on. It’s time to cast your net wide and find the one for you.

Explore 2022 Marathons

1.     XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon

This trail marathon is a challenging mixed-terrain course, great for those looking to push yourself this summer. Forget pounding the pavements and big crowds, this  trail marathon will have you traversing the most picturesque views the UK has to offer. 

There will be plenty of hills throughout as well as some challenging terrain, but for marathon runners looking to get away from the big city and escape out to the country: this one’s a dream.

Bonus:  This event also offers a 10k and Half Marathon, so bring friends and family along for the ride or try out a shorter distance before going for gold next year.

Find out more

2.     PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon

Looking for a Spring marathon instead of a chillier October challenge? Break away from road racing and explore the scenic tracks and lanes of Kent on the PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon.

You’ll make your way through the quaint villages of Charing and Westwell, taking in spectacular views and the encouragement you need from crowds cheering you on in each village. 

Bonus: You can catch a high speed train from London St Pancras and arrive at Ashford International train station within 45 minutes–perfect for city folk and commuters alike.

Find out more

3.     Bacchus Marathon

The Denbies Vineyard estate hosts a marathon that is one for the fun runners out there. This event is a trail race that is more like a party than a serious marathon. Though the course is quite hilly, you’ll be buoyed along by the aid stations en route which are fully stocked with–you guessed it–wine!

No cheap plonk here–you’ll get to sample wine made onsite at the vineyard. What’s more, if you’re not feeling up to the Marathon there is also a Half Marathon and 10k to enjoy too, perfect for anyone looking to get a bit jolly on a summer’s day.

Bonus: Fancy dress is encouraged: this is not drill! Join the party dressed as whatever you fancy, great vibes all round.

Find out more

4.     ABP Southampton Marathon

The ABP Southampton Marathon lands on the ultimate weekend festival of running.

The course is pretty undulating throughout with a couple of hills and you’ll explore the historic landmarks of Southampton. This will be a truly memorable experience for everyone as there is always  plenty of sideline support, music and general cheer as you race through this beautiful city.

Bonus: Any Saints fans out there? This marathon goes straight through St. Mary’s Football stadium!

Find out more

5.     Milton Keynes Marathon

We couldn’t write about marathons without including this firm fan favourite. 

The Milton Keynes Marathon is voted one of the UK’s best marathons. It’s also a London and Boston Marathon qualifying race, making it the perfect race for anyone looking for a ‘Good For Age’ qualifying entry.

Though this race is smaller than the Manchester and Brighton marathons, this only adds to the friendly, unintimidating feel of the event. There’s also a stadium finish which will spur you on with some last-minute energy to dash across that finish line.

Bonus: Want to bring the rest of your family along? There are plenty of family friendly and shorter races happening throughout the weekend to keep everyone busy!

Find out more

Every cloud…

We know you might be feeling discouraged, but just imagine yourself standing on the start line, feeling the cool morning breeze against your skin, the pre-race nerves dissipating as you start to take your first courageous steps across the start line. Fast forward to crossing the finish line to cheers from your loved ones. 

You can still have that marathon experience this year.

Whether you’re a fun runner, a club runner, or you’ve never run before, don’t let missing out on the London Marathon ballot end your marathon journey: it’s just the beginning. 

Sign up to one of these incredible alternatives to the London Marathon today– even if it’s just a practice run for next year!

Find a 2022 marathon

Think you don’t have time to train today? Think again. Research shows that just 30 minutes of running can have huge benefits on your short-term and long-term health.

Here are the top 7 reasons to lace up your shoes and squeeze in that run today.

1. Burn Fat

Studies across the board show that running for just 15-30 minutes will kick-start your metabolism and burn some serious fat, both during and after the exercise itself. That’s because during a shorter run, your body will use fat as its primary power source, rather than relying on the carbohydrates that play a bigger role as exercise intensity increases.

You’ll also keep burning fat long after your run. After intense physical activity, your body goes into EPOC mode (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), where it uses the energy from fat and carbohydrates to restore itself to its pre-exercise state. EPOC can last from 15 minutes to a whopping 48 hours; so that 30 minute run could keep you burning fat for 2 whole days.

2. Catch a Runner's High

Simply put, running makes you feel good - even if you can’t do it for that long. Just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise releases a large amount of the mood-boosting endorphins responsible for “runner’s high,” so a quick lunchtime run can make you feel just as good as a longer one. The benefits aren’t just in the moment, either; regular running has countless long-term effects on your mental health, from decreased stress and anxiety to improved energy levels. If you don’t trust the research, just try out short, regular runs for a month and see the effects yourself.

3. Recover Quickly

If you keep your run to 30 minutes, you’re very unlikely to overstretch or overuse your muscles. That means a much lower risk of injury. As long as you take the usual stretching and cool-down measures to recover properly, your body will feel readier and more refreshed when it comes to your next long run. Even if you usually go for longer distances, factoring in the occasional 30 minute run as part of your regular exercise routine can be much better for your  body in the long term.

4. Burn Those Calories

One 30 minute run is guaranteed to burn between 200-500 calories. That’s a fantastic step forwards to your weight loss goal. Or a guilt-free guilty pleasure that day. Or splitting the bottle instead of having a glass. Whatever your goals and priorities are, calorie wiggle-room is always good news.

5. Sleep Like a Runner

When you start running regularly for 30 minutes, you’ll see your sleep improve significantly. And even if you’re used to more strenuous exercise, a shorter run will still give you better sleep than no running at all.

That’s true for both quality and quantity: you’ll both fall asleep faster and spend more time in those deep sleep stages which are crucial for physical recovery. There’s a caveat to this though: try not to schedule your run before bedtime. All those feel-good endorphins will also make you feel alert and awake, so you may struggle to get to sleep in the first place.

6. Look Better, Feel Stronger

If you can run 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes, the internal health benefits will very quickly start to show on the surface, too. You’ll soon see effects like more defined muscles, pounds off the scale, and clearer, healthier skin. Your muscles will be stronger so you can get more out of those gym sessions, and your improved cardio fitness will allow you to try things you perhaps couldn’t before. And that means more confidence, too.

7. ...And Live Longer

It’s a big claim, but the studies show it's true. The fitness level you achieve from regular, shorter runs can add years to your life expectancy. There are a ton of reasons for this: improved circulation, lower blood pressure, a better balance of good and bad cholesterol, lower stress hormones. Your quality of life will also be higher; a basic level of fitness has been linked consistently to better brain and memory function in later years.

The bottom line is that even when you think you don’t have that much time, there’s no excuse not to get out for a quick 30 minute run. If you need some extra inspiration, check out some of the 5k running events coming up soon near you!

Black Girls Do Run UK was founded in March 2019 by Tasha Thompson after 20 years of noticing the lack of representation at events and within the running community, particularly in her hometown of London. Tasha is now a pillar of the running community and continues to inspire us all to get moving. The collective has bustling WhatsApp and Facebook groups as well as keeping everyone up to date on their Instagram.

Previously, when thinking about traditional running clubs, you might imagine a group of lean, middle aged white men dressed in singlets running through the rain. Well, thanks to the work of people like Tasha and crews like Black Girls Do Run UK, that picture’s beginning to change. Tasha and her running collective are doing all they can to dispel traditional images of the running community and to energise the industry by encouraging black women to become runners, because in the end, “you can’t be what you can’t see.”

Black Girls Do Run UK are working hard to break down the various hidden barriers to entry within running. Whether it’s the feeling of not belonging at your local 5k parkrun, or the expectation to look a certain way, or simply finding the term ‘runner’ too intimidating - Tasha is on hand to provide a realistic role model for those who are nervous about entering the space and, ultimately, to spread the joy of running. She advocates the benefits of running not only for physical fitness but for its positive impact on mental health. Ultimately, the benefits of running should be experienced by all, and without the incredible work of Tasha and collectives such as Black Girls Do Run UK, this wouldn’t be the case.

I recently spoke to Tasha about what it means to be a black woman in the industry, a situation which I happen to share with her. Personally, I've always staunchly proclaimed that I’ll never be a ‘runner’. I don’t actually know whether that’s because I didn’t feel like that world was made for someone like me, or I just couldn’t imagine myself taking part or, in fact, because I just don’t enjoy exercise that much! But, while some of what Tasha has to say validated my initial concerns, it did more to counteract them and her joy of running supersedes many anxieties I had and is clearly infectious. You know what, I might actually go for a spin around my local park… at some point.

Gina: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a 'runner', is it something you attach to your identity?

Tasha: I am a runner and running is definitely part of my identity and how I am often identified by others. For me, being a runner is to simply be someone who runs, enjoys running and becomes miserable if they cannot run - because it is such a big and important part of your life and who you are. It is not about racing, speed, distance, fitness levels or running daily, it is a feeling where life isn't quite right without running.

Gina: Which black runners have had the biggest impact on your relationship with running, and in what ways?

Tasha: It’s nobody famous nor an elite athlete, but a woman named Jenny Burrell who I knew from the gym - she was the first black woman I had ever heard of saying she ran the London Marathon and it made me stop and think, maybe I can do it too! I am not sure if Jenny still runs but she has gone on to do brilliant things and is the founder and head of Burrell Education one of the UK's leading-edge educators in the field of modern Pregnancy, Post Baby, 3rd Age (Peri-to Post-Menopause) and Female Fitness, Wellness, Massage + Bodywork Therapies. 

Gina: What's the biggest hurdle that keeps black women from running?

Tasha: It is difficult to hone in on one hurdle, but the main ones are:

Hair: Afro hair whether in its natural state or chemically altered doesn’t react well to sweat and this is often a major off putting factor for black women.

Habit: Once those obligatory school P.E. lessons no longer need to be done, that is the end of any form of physical activity for many women unless they loved it. 

Lack of realistic role models:  There are so many black women who are elite athletes but the majority of us cannot do a quarter of what they can, so they are not always realistic role models for getting black women running and moving.

Body image and self-consciousness: Age-old myths surrounding the ideal runner's body is a massive hurdle for all and is responsible for a lot of anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Running is a good way to improve personal perception of body image and, as a result, feel less self consciousness because it is about function not looks - but this doesn't happen overnight.

Gina: How much of an impact does not focusing on times, splits or performance have on you and the other women in Black Girls Do Run UK?

Not focussing on the performance aspect of running makes running a possibility for more women. It means that you don’t feel like a failure if you are unable to run a 10 minute mile or if you don’t run a sub 30 minute 5k race. It enforces that your only competition is yourself and from what I have seen runners whose focus isn't on performance are much happier runners, because every day is a PB as long as you are doing your best.

Gina: How important are running collectives like Black Girls Do Run UK in supporting more black women to take up the sport?

Tasha: Collectives such as us and Fly Girl Collective are important because we are focussing on a niche area of women who are underrepresented in recreational running. You can’t be what you can’t see, so being part of a running group that focuses purely on black women and is led by a black woman who runs the run and talks the talk has a domino effect on other women and plants the running seed in the minds of others and the desire to run grows from there.

Gina: 10 years from now, what differences would you like to see within the black running community and the wider industry?

Tasha: I would like to see more black women and women in general running and more groups focussing on niche areas as it’s a win, win for the industry as a whole. Creating these small running collectives grows the sports by encouraging more people to run and includes more people on the start-lines of running events.

Gina: What’s special about having the support of the Black Girls Do Run UK squad at running events?

Tasha: The support we receive from each other is magical and it is so uplifting - we really feel the love. We support each other virtually and in person. Virtually by sending messages of encouragement and congratulating each other and in person by going along to races to cheer each other on.  

Gina: Where does your motivation to keep running come from?

Tasha: Just like many runners I have those moments where I don’t feel like running, or when life outside of running gets hectic and it's impossible to fit it in, but thankfully my motivation doesn’t dip too often and I am very good at fitting runs in around my life. My motivation to run is from not wanting to start from scratch again, because I often crave green space and to experience the free feeling running gives me. Lastly, it's impossible to not to run because I am surrounded by so many inspirational runners.  

Grab the remote, take a seat (be it on the sofa or on your at-home training bike) and prepare to be thoroughly amazed by this line up of epic, tragic, gripping, thrilling, life-affirming, jaw dropping cycling documentaries.

MAMIL, 2018

Sunday in Hell, 1976

Clean Spirit, 2014

The Stars and Water carriers, 1973

Icarus, 2017

Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story, 2014

Slaying the Badger, 2014

Geraint Thomas: The Road will Decide, 2019

The 1991 Motorola Cycling Team documentary, 1991

23 Days in July, 1983

Paris-Roubaix 2016 Backstage Pass, 2016

The last year has seen a running boom unlike any other. As the world came to a standstill, and we all swapped the daily commute with a short walk to the living room, the allocated 1 hour of daily exercise became a source of escape for most. During a time when we were locked in and our lives restricted, it was this simple form of exercise which liberated us.

The numbers paint a similar picture. Between March - May 2020, Strava reported a mind-blowing 82% increase in outdoor recorded activities, while our own surveys have shown that over 50% of people either ran more, or took up running during lockdown.

Yet, despite the huge surge in outdoor exercise, there still appear to be a number of barriers stopping many of these newfound enthusiasts from taking the next step, and participating in events. Keen to find out more about what’s holding them back? We've investigated further to see how many of these myths we can dispel.

Fear #1: I'm not quick enough

We hear this one time and time again. Be it speaking to someone who’s only recently entered their first event, someone who is still on the fence, or someone who waited 20 years before racing - fear of being too slow is commonplace. However, those inside the community - who’ve already made the jump from running to racing  - will testify that this is absolutely not the case.

Sure, there are some people who run fast, really fast. But there are far more people who don’t and at Let’s Do This, we race for joy, not times. Take it from Darren Gillett, who we spoke to after a recent trail running race, “It doesn’t matter how skinny you are, how fast you are, how slow you are, how big you are, nobody looks down on you - everyone’s supportive.”

Did you know?

The average 5k running event finish time in the UK is 33:54.

The average 10k finish time in the UK is 58:08.

And that's only an average, there are plenty of runners who race far slower than that, but still have an epic time.

Fear #2: Races are too intense

Bustling start lines? Runners spitting? Diving to cross the finish line? These are all commonly held assumptions of things which go down at races. Well, let us break them down for you. Now more than ever, start-lines are a friendly and relaxed place, where people line up with a smile on their face and stride in their step. Spitting? Not a chance, this is an absolute no-no within the racing world. The finish line? Sure, there will be a buzz but it’ll be one of elation, relief, and achievement - not of intensity.

Afterwards, you’ll find people hanging around, enjoying a chat, perhaps a cold drink and a hot slide of pizza. There’s a reason it’s called race day, because it’s not about the 1 or 2 hours of running, it’s about the whole experience, from start to finish. Not convinced? Check out our video from a recent event.

Fear #3: I’m not competitive

Retweet. Admittedly, the word ‘race’ holds extremely competitive connotations. Don’t worry though, we’re here to break them down. Just as races aren’t necessarily about times, nor do you have to be competitive to enjoy them. Something which we always stress to first time entrants is that you’re not racing against people, you’re racing with people.

From volunteers cheering you on at every bend to event organisers grafting away behind the scenes to the stranger you meet on the start line, a race is a group activity which covets community and shared experience, not competition. Plus, it doesn't matter if you're first or last, everyone crosses the same finish-line.

Fear #4: These aren’t my people

There’s a common saying that goes, “if you run, you’re a runner.” Well, to add to that, if you’re a runner, you belong at races. Many people think that this smaller community of runners who enter and compete at events are exclusive, cliquey, and unfriendly - this couldn’t be further from the truth.

We asked over 500 runners from across the UK why they took part in mass participation running events. In total, 29.7% people's number one reason was because they are full of people like them, with a shared passion for running. Events are only as good as the people who attend them and, if you're reading this, then these are absolutely your people. In this inclusive and friendly community, everyone is welcome and no one is judged.

Ready to make the jump and enter a race? Well, now's your chance. No risk, no story.

Discover Running Events

Marathon Des Sables is widely regarded as the toughest footrace on the planet. This epic ultra marathon first took place back in 1986, and has now become one of the world's ultimate endurance tests. Participants will run 251km over 6 days, that takes them across the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco. It's suffice to say, this isn't an event for the faint hearted.

When we heard that Spencer Matthews - former Made in Chelsea star, now founder and CEO of CleanCo - was taking part in the notorious ultra marathon, we had to get in touch. Being inspired to take on epic feats can be found in many places. At Let's Do This we get inspired by people we can relate to, doing things we can't relate to (yet) and Spencer is doing just that.

So, Spencer and I jumped on a call to talk all things Marathon Des Sables. What transpired was a raw, genuine and open conversation which will leave you searching for your next epic feat.

Feeling inspired? Check out some of our ultramarathons coming up this year.

Discover Ultra Marathons

Events are back! As of March 29th, we’ve seen endurance sports events return to the UK, under COVID-secure measures. We’ve all missed real life events and for many the appetite to get back out there is huge.

However, we understand that people remain apprehensive about returning to in-person events and will be unsure about what a COVID-secure event really looks like.

So, we packed up our GoPro and headed down to a Maverick Race event in Kent, on April 17th, to see exactly what it's like taking part in a COVID-secure event. Was it different? Absolutely. Was the epic event day atmosphere, the sense of community, or the finish-line feeling lost? Absolutely not.

It's important to remember, COVID-safety measures will differ from event organiser to organiser and if you'd like to find out more about specific events before booking, please reach out to our customer service team.

That said, there are a number of consistent safety measures which you can expect to see across all COVID-secure events:

• Masks must be worn in the event village, but not while racing
• There will be hand sanitiser available throughout the venue
• Socially distance start lines mean that runners will go off in waves
• Registration is touch free
• If applicable, aid stations are touch free
• There will be no bag drop available

Feeling inspired to enter your first event post lockdown? Check out all COVID-19 planned events coming up near you.

Find Your Next Challenge

The marathon. For many, an event run by super humans - like Eliud Kipchoge - for others, a life-time goal that pushes both physical and mental limits. In total, a marathon covers 26.2 miles (or 42.2km) in distance and is an endurance adventure fuelled by adrenaline, determination, and sheer want of will.

These 26.2 miles are a distance that’s revered (and feared) all over the world, be that in the Olympics, around your local park, or up in the mountains and with its completion comes respect from all.

Despite this, few understand why and how, the distance has become such a staple fixture in modern day athletics or, more intriguingly, why it’s the peculiar distance of 26.2 miles. So, as Tokyo 2020 Olympics looms ahead, I wanted to take a look at the history of the marathon and what it is that makes this event so special. The answer takes us back to Ancient Greece, to 490 BC and to the Greco-Persian wars.

What is the history of the marathon?

The legend goes that a Greek messenger, by the name of Philippides, saw a Persian vessel sailing towards Athens at the end of a victorious battle for the Greek army. Philippides interpreted this as an attempt by the Persians to rush to the Greek capital and claim the battle’s victory for themselves.

So, what did Philippides do? Well, Philippides threw down his weapons, armour and clothes and he ran. He ran without stopping, all the way to Athens in order to rightfully proclaim the Greek victory at the battle. The name of the battle he had run from? Marathon. The distance? Interestingly, not quite 26.2 miles.

When did the marathon become 26.2 miles?

Nevertheless, the Greeks never held events of a marathon distance in the Ancient Olympics. So, why is it such a staple of the Summer Games and how did they come to choose the distance it is today?

When the modern Olympics began in 1896, those responsible for its organisation wanted to place an event centre stage that would embody the spirit of the Ancient Games. To do so, Michel Bréal - a French philologist - lobbied Pierre de Coubertin to emphasise the ‘character of Antiquity’, by including a long-distance race that echoed the ordeal undertaken by Philippides over two thousand years ago.

Initially the length of an Olympic marathon was not fixed, but the marathon races in the first few Olympic Games were actually closer to 40 kilometres (25 miles), which is approximately the distance from Marathon to Athens. Something you’ll be privy to if you’ve read Haruki Murakami’s book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

It wasn’t until the 1908 London Olympics that the course was extended, allegedly to accommodate the British royal family. Supposedly Queen Alexandra requested that the race start on the lawn of Windsor Castle, which would allow the youngest royals to watch from their nursery.

The race would then finish in front of the royal box at the Olympic stadium and come out to a total distance of 26.2 miles. Finally, in 1921 the International Amateur Athletic Federation set the standard distance of a marathon at 26.2 miles, based on the length of the 1908 race. This cemented the marathon distance into history and paved the way for epic feats of humanity, like Kipchoge’s sub-2 hour marathon.

So, are you ready for your first marathon?

The history of the marathon is interesting, but the real excitement doesn’t come from studying the marathon. It comes from competing in it, from the feeling of following in the footsteps of some of the greatest athletes in history, and from the ups and downs of the training required.

This goal may seem lofty, perhaps even out of reach, but with strong preparation you can ensure yourself the best chance of crossing that finishing line. The key to marathon success is following a schedule. This will ensure you don’t get injured, it will fill you with confidence before your race, and it will hold you accountable to structured training.

Our marathon training plan has been curated specifically to adhere to runners aiming for a multitude of different finishing times. The plan also covers your nutrition, as keeping your body well fuelled and following a healthy diet is a key element to success. Of course, each individual will need to approach their training differently, but a plan will leave you well placed to complete those daunting 26.2 miles of a marathon.

Ever heard the quote: “I dare you to train for a marathon and not have it change your life.” Well, we dare you.

Find Your Marathon