Seven marathons down, forty-five to go—My challenge to run 52 marathons in 2025 is well underway. Back in January, I set out on an ambitious (some might say crazy) challenge; What if I ran a marathon every week for the rest of the year? Now, seven marathons and 294km later, I can confidently say that while the challenge is every bit as tough as I expected, the purpose behind it continues to drive me forward. Shape my leadership at Tunley Environmental by reinforcing the idea that perseverance through hardship leads to growth, while also raising funds for PASIC—an incredible charity providing vital support for seriously ill children, young people and their families.
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Some (honestly, one at best!) runs have been smooth, with the time ticking by almost effortlessly. Others have tested my endurance in ways I never imagined. I have braved through terrible weather, waterlogged roads and biting cold. Frankly, I can say that my knees and back have seen better days. Despite these challenges, I see this not as a setback, but as an opportunity to build resilience. This mindset fuels every step, turn and twist on my runs.
Each marathon has offered its own lessons including:
I would also like to thank the incredible CEOs who have joined (i.e. signed up to join me on one of them!) me along this journey so far. Their commitment to pushing their limits, stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the challenge of running a marathon alongside me have been majorly inspiring. Another thing I’ve come to appreciate through this journey is the importance of high-quality running gear. My INOV8 Trailflys have now covered 1071km and are still going strong, far exceeding the lifespan of my previous running shoes, which barely lasted 300-400km. Of course, the wear is beginning to show: slight compression in the heel, a small wear path on the inside, and clear evidence of my running style, outside heel in. Observing the wear and tear has become an experiment in itself. It raises an important question for sports manufacturers: how sustainable are our running shoes? A detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) would be a fascinating insight into their environmental footprint.
This challenge has never been just about beating my personal best. It’s about using this journey to highlight the importance of sustainability as a reflection of our work at Tunley.
With 45 marathons still ahead, the road is long, but my motivation remains strong. My focus now is on staying injury-free, refining my recovery strategy and continuing to engage with as many people as possible about the importance of sustainability.
I’m also adding a reminder to CEOs and business leaders—run just one marathon with me this year! You’ll get:
And, most importantly, the chance to contribute to an incredible cause—PASIC - Cancer support for children and young people. The support so far has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see how this journey unfolds. If you’d like to follow along, offer encouragement, or get involved in any way, stay tuned for more updates on my LinkedIn page or by checking out the MOAC page. And if you see me out running, give me a wave!