Steph Swanney on running the London Marathon: Does anyone actually want to run 26.2 miles?
Dog Mum. Bookworm. Accidental athlete.
I didn’t expect to be a college drop-out, but an open day at the National Horseracing College changed all my plans. I fell in love with horseracing, started working at the grassroots level, and after a few years away found my way back through a role at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). I’m now a Project Manager in the Strategy & Change team, working closely with Equine Welfare and Integrity & Regulation to deliver key projects across the BHA Business Plan.
Outside of work, I’m a committee member for Women in Racing, a small but passionate organisation supporting and developing women in the industry. This year, I helped relaunch our bursary programme and hosted a behind-the-scenes raceday event. I do have a life outside of racing, too! I’m a dog mum to two pooches – one of whom I’ve been training in agility, with hopes of competing this summer. When I’m not walking them or in work mode, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book.
Every few years, I like to challenge myself, something that tests my patience, discipline, and helps me grow. Usually, I commit to a new qualification, or enrol on a course, and I’ve done a charity skydive, but I wanted to do something that seemed impossible. Ideally a challenge that could do some good along the way!
Why I decided to run a marathon
Running a marathon has been on, and quickly off, my bucket list for years. Every April, the London Marathon tempts me to enter the ballot, and every time that I get the ‘you’ve been unsuccessful’ email, I breathe a huge sigh of relief. The difference this year? I decided I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something hard, something that demanded patience, discipline, and a fair bit of discomfort. So why not tick off a marathon and join the 1% club.
If I was going to take on such a huge challenge, I needed a meaningful cause to keep me motivated. Racing Welfare, a small charity that supports horseracing’s people, was the perfect fit—a chance for me to give back to an industry that’s given me so much.
Training insight – blisters and all
Training for a marathon isn’t glamorous. I’ll be honest, it was tougher than I ever expected it to be. It’s long weekend runs, missed runs and juggling a training plan with everyday life. Some days I felt strong. Other days I questioned everything. Honestly, other than managing to increase my distance every week, I never really felt like I made much progress. Instead, I chose to focus on the quiet time on the road and the small victories of each completed run. I also had to learn to properly listen to my body and its requirements changed weekly. Hormones, sleep and nutrition impacted my training and if I didn’t get it right, I struggled.
The hardest part wasn’t just the running, it was staying committed. Life didn’t stop just because I was training. I had to work, rest, recover, and manage the mental rollercoaster that comes with training to run a marathon. But that’s what made the finish line so powerful – it was my victory lap after 16 weeks of gruelling training!
Race Day: The London Marathon
Nothing – and I mean nothing – could have prepared me for race day. The atmosphere was electric. A sea of strangers cheering like lifelong friends, handmade signs, music, laughter, and tears. Running through the streets of one of the world’s most iconic cities, surrounded by people chasing their own reasons for being there, it was surreal.My husband, brother, and friends were there cheering me on, and I was so grateful for their support, hugs, and encouragement. They gave me something to look forward to and kept me smiling.
But the training doesn’t prepare you for the last few miles when your body is at its limits. The pain kicks in, and it becomes a test of mental resilience; just one foot in front of the other, breaking down the distance, having those inner pep talks to keep going. That’s when every cheer and every stranger shouting encouragement carries you to the finish line. And the wave of emotion that comes over you knowing that one last spurt of energy is needed to turn onto the Mall and get to the finish line. Those last 200 yards were a blur of pride, disbelief, and pure relief. I was overwhelmed with happiness that I’d made it…and could finally stop running.
It wasn’t just a race. It was a celebration of human spirit, determination, and community. It was an incredible experience that words simply cannot do justice.
Final thoughts
Ten people ran for Racing Welfare, raising over £27,000 which is a milestone we are hugely proud of. Running the London Marathon reminded me of the strength and resilience we all have, both physically and mentally. The whole day was an incredible experience that words cannot do justice – but I hope this blog gives you a glimpse of what it meant to me. Genuinely, I enjoyed (almost) every second, which I never imagined would be possible.
To anyone thinking about doing something that feels impossible: do it. You’re capable of more than you know and might just surprise yourself – and have one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. I didn’t start out a marathon runner. I became one by showing up, again and again. Would I do it again? Hell, no. But I’ve got the memories, the mugshots and the medal to remind me of that one time, on 27th April 2025, when I never gave up.
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