Running the Edinburgh Marathon - Abbie's story

Abbie took on a fundraising challenge for Make 2nds Count last year, running the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. She tells us what has led her to do this challenge.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello! My name is Abbie, and I live in West Lothian. I work as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor and am about to finish my 4th year of university studies. In my spare time I enjoy running, cycling, and crocheting!

Can you tell us about the challenge you took on and why you chose that challenge?

I had recently started running in 2023 but had a habit of not sticking to it. I wanted to
set myself a goal so that I had something to work towards, and a reason to keep running!

Can you tell us about the challenge on the day and how it made you feel completing the challenge?
On the day I was really excited to finally be running the race and putting the months
of training to use. I was also a little nervous and had a little bit of doubt that I wouldn’t
finish, but the atmosphere at the starting line got rid of that feeling very quickly!
Crowds of people came to watch the race. Some had signs with words of motivation
or funny quotes. Some stood with speakers blasting music. We even seen a band
playing when running along Portobello Beach! The atmosphere was amazing and
really makes the day feel so special.

It was a very rainy day on the day of the race which made me worry about the route
being slippery. The route for the race is pretty flat so luckily this wasn’t an issue,
which is also what makes this race really good if it is your first time as there are no
big hills to tackle.

I ran the race with a good friend, and my Grandparents and wee Cousin waited at
the finish line in the rain to see us finish the race. I was shattered and soaked to the
bone by the end, but sharing the moments after the race with them made it all worth
it. I had a huge sense of achievement afterwards and definitely caught the running
bug.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking part in a running event but is unsure?

I would say to just go for it! The atmosphere on the day and the sense of achievement you feel crossing the finish line makes all the training worth it. It’s a feeling I can’t compare to much else!

What fundraising advise do you have?
Tell as many people as you can what you’re doing. Running any distance to raise money is a big deal, this is your chance to have bragging rights! This will get people talking and give you an opportunity to tell people the reason you’re doing what you’re doing, and why this charity is important to you.

Thanks Abbie for sharing your story! We have lots of running events taking part across the UK if you are inspired to take up a challenge of your own. Take a look at our Fundraising Events Calendar.