Samantha Harrison

From Gym Rat to Marathon Runner 🏃‍♀️

I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet — the London Marathon in 2027! 🏃‍♀️

Most of you know I’m a bit of a ‘gym rat’, but running is a totally different story. Running and I have very much had a love-hate relationship over the years, and it’s something I’ve always struggled with.

I’m built to deadlift 150kg, back squat 125kg and throw 75kg above my head… not to run. And anyone who knows me will know just how much I love to moan about cardio! 😂

I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for as long as I can remember. Partly because it’s such an incredible achievement, but also because I want to become part of the tiny percentage of people in the world who can say they’ve completed a marathon.

I’m a firm believer that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, and this is my next challenge to prove exactly that. There will no doubt be plenty of pain, plenty of complaining and probably a lot of questioning why I ever signed up… but I’m determined to get myself over that finish line!

I’ve already speed-walked the London MoonWalk in 8 hours back in 2022, which left me in excruciating pain, so let’s hope this one is slightly less painful and, ideally, slightly quicker! 😂

Why I’m running

I’m incredibly proud to be running for World Cancer Research Fund, a charity that is very close to my heart. Like so many of us, I’ve seen far too many people have their lives affected by cancer, and I wanted to use this challenge to raise money towards something that can make a real difference.

Every day, around 1,100 people in the UK hear the words “you have cancer”. More than 420 of these cases could have been prevented — that’s around 155,000 preventable cases every year.

World Cancer Research Fund has been funding research, influencing global health policy and educating the public since 1982, with a focus on preventing cancer and helping people live longer, healthier and happier lives.

My fundraising will help support this vital work.

I know times are tough, and I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to donate. But if you can spare anything at all, no matter how big or small, I’d be incredibly grateful.

My compulsory fundraising target is £2,750, so every donation really will help me get one step closer to the finish line — both on marathon day and with the fundraising!

Thank you so much for supporting me. ❤️

Now I just need to work out how to run 26.2 miles without complaining about cardio… wish me luck! 😂