A TAMESIDE charity is celebrating the efforts of one individual who went above and beyond to raise vital funds by completing the London Marathon.
Hayley Simpson, who previously coached at East Cheshire Harriers Running Club, put herself through physical and mental torment to complete the 26.2-mile event.
And despite saying she would never run a marathon again, the 28-year-old from Stalybridge plucked up the courage to compete in the event to honour her late friend Alex Williams, who The Believe and Achieve Trust is named after.
Hayley, who works for Active Tameside, completed the marathon in three hours, 20 minutes and 18 seconds – smashing her initial target in the process.
At the time of writing, her fundraising efforts had generated £525 from 36 generous donors.
The money will support people in Tameside and the surrounding areas who have been affected by meningitis or those who need help to achieve in sport.
Reflecting on the race – which attracted 50,000 people to the start line in Greenwich Park – Hayley said: “I thought the race was good overall.
“I had an aim of achieving a sub 3:20 finish, or at least a personal best, but I wanted to enjoy the run as it’s not often you get the opportunity to run the London Marathon.
“I looked at my watch when I was three miles into the run and didn’t look again until I finished. I thought I had blown up, so I was overwhelmed when I looked at the time and really pleased with the finish.
“I soaked up the atmosphere along the route, dancing with the music, high fiving the crowds and reading the signs. The best part of the run was crossing the line with Katie Kay as we have completed a lot of training together and supported each other through the last gruelling mile.”
Having completed several events in recent years, including the Tour of Tameside and Mossley 10k, Hayley is a familiar face in running circles and is well equipped to deal with the demands of long-distance events.
But the London Marathon is no easy feat – as thousands of runners will attest to – with the final five miles reported to push competitors to their absolute limit.
Hayley was therefore thankful her preparation ahead of the race went smoothly and that the course was surrounded by friends, family members and well-wishers to see her home in the darkest moment of the race.
She added: “My aim during my training sessions was to be as consistent as possible.
“My routine was based on a variety of methods, which comprised of one session, a cross country race or parkrun, a long-distance run along with easy runs every week.
“I struggled a little at the Wilmslow Half Marathon, but apart from that it all went well.
“The London Marathon is an unreal experience and like no other.
“The noise levels from the moment you start the race until you cross the finish line never waver – it almost feels like the crowd are carrying you and the music never stops.
“I competed in the Manchester Marathon last year, which was amazing due to having home support and family cheering close by, but London was something else.”
Now that the dust has settled, Hayley says she will be avoiding marathons for a few years and will instead focus on other races.
However, that is not to say she would not return to London if given the opportunity as she relished every moment while competing in the capital alongside historic landmarks.
But with a series of events returning in the coming months, she has turned her focus to our very own borough as she has some unfinished business to attend to in June.
She said “I am hoping to finally get back on the start line at The Tour of Tameside after deferring the last two years.
“The Mossley 10k is an event I always look forward to and will always compete in as I’ve taught in local primary schools for a number of years and have their support on the sidelines on the day.”
With both events just a matter of weeks away, runners will be making their final preparations to ensure they are in the best shape possible when race day arrives.
But, for those who are interested in running and haven’t started training, is it too late to get involved – particularly for long-distance feats?
Hayley does not think so and is urging residents in Tameside to get active and give a race a go – regardless of their previous experience.
She said: “If you’re considering doing a marathon, I would advise to start off with a half marathon as it improves your confidence and stamina whilst running for a long period of time.
“Also, where possible, try to train with people as it keeps the runs interesting – you’ll develop a support network with each other.
“I would say ensure you focus on the long runs every week and slowly build them up. Focus on the positives, not the negatives.”
Audenshaw-based Mark Bousie also put his best foot forward at the London Marathon and complete the race in three hours, 51 minutes and four seconds.
And despite not recording a personal best, the Stockport Harriers representative enjoyed his third stab at the race and did achieve an eight-minute course personal best.
If you would like to donate to Hayley’s efforts, you can do so by clicking https://www.justgiving.com/page/hayley-simpson-1704278968412.
Brilliant! Excellent job. )