07/04/2025
Brighton Marathon 2025 – Done!
What a day! We made it to Brighton for the marathon, supported by our number one fans – my mom and dad. Dad was our personal chauffeur, driving us down with zero clue where we were going. Navigating Brighton was chaos – mom kept saying she’s never seen so many people on a beach, never mind just walking around!
We ended up heading out of town and, of course, found a Wetherspoons – let’s just say it was lively. Then it was an early night ready for our 5am wake-up.
We were in wave 3 and saying goodbye felt emotional, like I was heading off on a one-way flight! The first 14 miles went surprisingly well despite the heat – we were keeping a good pace. The hills were tough, and Brighton’s seafront felt never-ending. We jogged and walked, but eventually Paul got cramp, and his knee gave him trouble – he told me to keep going, so I did.
Coming around one corner, I spotted mom and dad – gave them the biggest hug. I needed that! The emotions were real, but I held it together. The route took us along the beach, then through a housing estate. At one point, I saw the 23-mile marker on the other side and thought, “Where even am I?!”
I jogged, I ran, I drank more water than I ever have on a run. Paul sorted us some energy gels – lifesavers! The support from the crowds was unreal – handing out sweets, water, oranges, even sausage rolls (I passed on those, though!).
Once I hit 23 miles, I started counting every step. Mile 25 felt never-ending. But seeing that finish line – wow. The crowd gave me that final push, and I finished strong in 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 16 seconds – under my 6-hour goal!
My legs were jelly, but I kept moving to avoid seizing up. The signal was rubbish and finding mom and dad felt impossible – but eventually I did, just before Paul came in. After a much-needed sit-down and a wild taxi back to the car park, dad drove us home – bless him.
Now I’m soaking in an Epsom salt bath with a cider to celebrate. I did 68,982 steps today – no wonder my legs are screaming! But honestly, I could cry with pride. What an achievement.
Boom. We did it
