I’m taking on a running challenge for Amaze – here’s why you should too

Amaze is lucky to have one place in the London Marathon 2026 (we have another runner who has chosen us as their charity, yay! but Tina has taken our one official place), so we are excited for this event.

We spoke to Tina to find out why she wanted to take on the challenge and why us? And we hope her interview will motivate others to run for us in 2026, as she so rightly says below “Running is for EVERYONE!”.

We currently have places in the Brighton Half Marathon (March 2026) and the Brighton 10K (April 2026), we’d love to have you onboard.

What inspired you to take on the challenge of running the London Marathon?

“I have been running for about 6 years and have taken on many challenges. I have only recently started running these distances, and it is tough.  It requires a lot of physical and mental resilience but anyone who knows me knows that I am not shy of a challenge.  I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London last year (and got a PB!).  It was an amazing experience with fantastic support so I know an iconic race like the London Marathon will be even more epic!”

Can you tell us why you chose to fundraise for Amaze?

“Amaze is a fantastic charity that I have had the pleasure of commissioning in my role in Children’s Services in East Sussex.  I have been working with children and families for over 20 years and I know the support that Amaze offer families with children with SEND is vital and a lifeline. I was absolutely thrilled when they asked me to run for them.”

How has training for the marathon affected you – physically, mentally, or emotionally?

“I run on a weekly basis so I am used to the training however no matter how used to it you are once the miles creep up it is EXHAUSTING! I ran my first marathon last year and my first ultra marathon (50k) this year and it starts to consume you.  Everything you eat, when you sleep, how tired your legs/body feels, when you can see friends, when you can go out-everything revolves around training and your ‘long run’.   I am currently working to a plan which has me running 3 times per week plus I do cross training (spin and weights on the other days).  I like the focus it gives me but maybe ask me again in a couple of months time when the runs start getting very long.  I am currently up to 10 mile runs.”

Do you have any creative fundraising plans to help you reach your target?

“Not yet but I have lots of fellow runners as well as my regular run group who I will be hitting up for cash as well as the gym that I attend for my cross training sessions.” Visit Tina’s JustGiving Page.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about signing up for a marathon but isn’t sure they can do it?

“Running is for EVERYONE!  I only started in my fifties and I never thought I would even run a mile. It has had the most positive impact on my mental and physical health.  Start off small and build from there.  Also run with others – run groups build community and mine (Heart and Sole Runners in Hastings), has been a fantastic source of support and encouragement.”

After crossing the finish line, what do you hope your run will have achieved; for both you and the charity?

“I want to raise as much money as possible obviously as well as raise the profile of the charity.  If I’m honest a PB would be great but not my focus it really it is about finishing knowing I have done the absolute best I can do and really soak up the atmosphere.  Also looking forward to a pizza at the end!”