Crimestoppers
Fearless
3 more of our London Marathon runners and their inspiring stories
We are delighted that every year people choose to run the TCS London Marathon for our charity, to raise money to help reach our goal of making communities safer, everywhere.
Read some inspiring stories about three more runners taking part in this year’s London Marathon, happening on Sunday 21 April.
Miranda - Running the London Marathon has always been a dream of mine. I had always been inspired by watching the London Marathon on TV with my dad when I was growing up. I got into running in sixth form to help with my mental health, and I’ve been running for fun ever since. I heard about Crimestoppers through my partner's dad who ran for the charity before and highly recommended it. Crimestoppers seemed perfect for me as they are serious about the safety of runners. As a woman runner, feeling safe when running in isolated places is not something I always experience. It’s not uncommon to get shouted at on training runs, and often warnings about running alone in the early morning or later at night were circulated around work or university when incidents occurred. Running for a charity that supports my safety and right to run has been really motivating. Training has highs and lows but Crimestoppers have been so supportive. If you’re considering running for Crimestoppers, I would say go for it. The events co-ordinator Allison has been so helpful answering my questions and with dealing with my worries leading up to the event, which can seem so daunting in a big city with so many participants. My health has been affected by covid so the training plan has not been going as I hoped, but Crimestoppers has been really supportive at making this experience enjoyable, which has kept me trying to get back on track after multiple setbacks. Although I don’t know how it will go on the day as I’m now behind on training, this hasn’t stopped me thinking about the future and joining the Crimestoppers team once again when I’m fully healthy and can aim for my sub-4hr dream marathon time!
Ebony - Joining Crimestoppers in this endeavour is more than obtaining a medal for me. I learned the hard way how important being mindful of your surroundings and breaking routine is. Many years ago, I moved into a beautiful home. I had the same daily schedule as most of us do, home, work, market, repeat or a variation of this. Taking security for granted and not ever thinking I was in danger; I did not pay as much attention to my surroundings as I should have. One day a young man that also lived in the neighbourhood, who I had only seen a few times, chased me into my home. He attempted to assault me. Through perseverance, street smarts, and pure strength, I got away, but it took years to realize the lifelong effects of what happened to me. Jumpiness, anxiety, paranoia to name a few things. Because of grace, the support of family and friends, and my own inner strength, I have overcome this event, but will forever be changed by it. While I do not let this isolated event dictate my life, I am more vigilant of my surroundings. I report things that do not appear right, and look out for my neighbours. Education combats ignorance. I had to educate myself on smart practices and use common sense. I truly believe Crimestoppers creates a safe place to keep our communities thriving. Every single one of us deserves the right to move through life without fear that we will be harmed. Crimestoppers gives people a platform, free of retaliation, to keep the places they call home just that…HOME. I am very blessed to have an employer that truly believes in giving back and showing monetary support to causes they believe in, this being one. I am more than grateful and extremely excited to run the coveted London Marathon for the first time, adding my 4th medal to my Abbott World Marathon Majors goal. I am rooting for all of my fellow runners to have a safe, fun, and rewarding race!
Joe - I did do the London Marathon back in 2008 and have always wanted to do it again. This will be the most I have ever raised for charity and I feel privileged to have been selected to run this year. I have been ill in the past with pneumonia and covid, which took a lot out of me. I run mainly to keep fit and completing this year’s London Marathon would mean so much to me. I love doing my Park Runs and My Just Giving is going well. I have completed the Watford Half Marathon, London Winter 10k, Milton Keynes Half Marathon and the Reading Half Marathon. I have also done a couple of 20 miles runs. I am really excited and looking forward to the big day.
