My Story

About: Rachel, running and marathons

I’m Rachel and in April 2025 I will be running my first ever Marathon!

Safeline asked me for a few words for why I’m running and quite simply;
I am running the marathon for Safeline because, I am done running.

Running made the monsters that hide in the corners of my mind all too real. It confirmed my belief that if I stay put, dwell, grieve, the monsters catch up, and I won’t cope.
So I did the only thing I could, run.
But that doesn’t work for me anymore, I’m tired of running. So I’m pushing back on the narrative and the belief that I’m not good enough.

So, I’m taking up running, real running, I have a goal, a plan, a cause, and pretty trainers.
I’m currently in a pre training plan (I had no idea that was a thing) training (for the training)  has caused me to show up for myself even when I didn’t want to.
It’s teaching me slowly but surely I am capable of more than I could have ever dreamed of.
I get to have a routine, I get to go on long runs, I get to be in my brain to think and process or sometimes not think at all. I’m finding comfort in the uncomfortable. 
 

I get to do all of this within the security of something bigger than me,  with Safeline.
I’ve worked in Sexual Assault Referral Centres, SARCs for over 4 years, and have referred endless people to Safeline.
Running for Safeline means I get to sit on the periphery of a great service bringing attention and money to a much needed service.

Safeline is the type of organisation that everyone deserves to have available to them, but no one should ever need. While the reality is that services like Safeline are in high demand. So, it is my goal to raise as much money as possible and highlight the undeniable brilliant work that they do.

Being picked as the London Marathon 2025 runner does not feel real!
I have a lofty goal and will be documenting the undeniably highs and lows of training. (I am much more of a sprinter than endurance runner.)

I can’t wait to share this journey and more importantly raise money for such a deserving charity!
Now, for the first time ever, I am running for myself.

Some of my Basics:

I’m Rachel, I’m 31 and have two big sisters (and in May I will be an Auntie!)
I’ve never ran a marathon, the furthest I’ve ever ran is 10km (with a kidney infection, I wouldn’t recommend…)
Cannock Chase is on my doorstep and I have a 4 year old tiny-terrier called Skye. She’s a  Westie x Scotty and full time menace, she demands runs in the forest and is 80% mud.
I am balancing two Jobs that are largely around protecting people and am officially training for a Marathon, fundraising for charity and renovating my home.  
I’m so proud of the goals I have for 2025 and I can’t wait to share the progress.

 
There really aren’t many services like Safeline, so give what you can because they really do change lives.

About: London Marathon

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.