"I never thought I would be ready to run 26.2 miles!"

Thanks to support from The London Marathon Charitable Trust we were delighted to offer GoodGym Slough runner Sutyee a place in the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon. Sutyee took on the iconic 26.2 mile event, on October 3rd, 2021.

"I was so excited at the time that I found out... I couldn't believe it!"

The London Marathon Charitable trust have been long supporters of GoodGym, helping us to increase participation across London. This included key funding that allowed us to develop our particpation in areas along the London Marathon route including Southwark and Lewisham.

The London Marathon Charitable Trust have provided additional support over the past 18 months as we continued to offer sessions during the pandemic, and overall they have helped activate 5000 sessions and 2000 members since the start of their funding. As part of their support we were delighted to be given places in the 40th London Marathon which we handed out as competition prizes to two GoodGym runners.

For Sutyee, this came as a huge surprise and a challenge that left her feeling shocked and excited as she had only run half marathons before. Her first marathon was to be London, a race so many dream of! Sutee approached her training without a goal time in mind, knowing from others it would all depend on how she felt on the day.

"The training for me was not a structured plan, I had to go out running when I finished work. My aim was to fit the training in and cover the miles I needed without worrying not being able to follow a training plan, it was much more enjoyable getting out when it suits me rather than when it suits the programme." -Sutyee

Sutyee's marathon training journey inspired and motivated other members of GoodGym Slough and in turn, the group was an important part of Sutyee's training. She adds:

"GoodGym Slough has kept me active for the past few years, meeting up on a weekly basis means I'm getting my run in whether long or short distances... it all helps."

Sutyee added to her motivation by fundraising for her workplace, The Asian Health Agency (Parvaaz) in Slough which supports young adults and children with disabilities. This was a great link as Goodgym Slough also volunteer for Parvaaz on regular basis.

"It was an amazing experience," Sutyee told us. "...and I definitely would love to run another marathon!"

Congratulations Sutyee, with huge thanks to all at London Marathon Charitable Trust for their support.