Hayley Hallsworth
London Marathon Runner
A few years ago, my husband and I completely changed our lives by moving to the Lake District to start a new business together. It was a huge leap into the unknown for both of us, and since then I seem to have developed a bit of a habit of taking on new challenges. And becoming a runner has definitely been one of the more unexpected ones!
I started running very recently, beginning with Couch to 5K in 2024 and gradually working my way up from 5Ks to 10Ks and then a half marathon before completing my first marathon in Manchester in April this year. Crossing that finish line after 26.2 miles was something I was incredibly proud of, and now I am so excited to be joining #TeamBrathay to take on the 2027 London Marathon.
As a former primary school teacher, Brathay Trust’s work with children and young people is something that really resonates with me. I’ve seen first hand just how much the right opportunities, encouragement and experiences can help young people build confidence, resilience and belief in themselves.
Living in the Lake District makes running for Brathay feel even more special. It’s a charity that’s close to home and I love that it uses this incredible environment, alongside its wider work, to give young people opportunities and help them realise their potential. I’m incredibly proud to be raising money for them.
I certainly won’t be chasing an elite finishing time in London! I’m a slow runner and often compare myself to a tortoise, but as we all know, the tortoise was the one who finished the race ….eventually! I’ve discovered that you don’t need to be particularly fast or naturally gifted to take on something that once seemed impossible.
For me, it’s about putting in the training, enjoying the experience and eventually crossing that London Marathon finish line knowing that all those miles have helped support young people along the way.
I’ve already been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received, particularly from local businesses who have sponsored individual miles of my marathon. I’m looking forward to sharing the ups and downs, the good runs and the difficult ones, and all the training miles between now and race day. I’d love Brathay supporters to follow my ‘tortoise on tour’ journey on Facebook and Instagram and come along for the ride as I make my way towards London 2027, while hopefully raising as much as I possibly can to help children and young people.
Experience
- 2024 Couch to 5k
- 2024 London Ten 10k
- 2025 Run Media City 10k
- 2025 Heaton Park (10 miles)
- 2025 Great Manchester Run (Half Marathon)
- 2026 Manchester Marathon