Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running
Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
Article Source: AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Last Updated: 8 March 2024 10:38
At The Great Run Company, we believe in the power of running - our runners have shared their inspiration behind taking part in our AJ Bell Great Run series events, whether it be the 10k, half marathon, or 10mile – and it’s clear to see: everyone has a story and reason for running.
The Power of Running campaign brings to life inspirational stories that highlight the transformative impact running has on individuals and communities in Great Run locations across the UK. There are many reasons for running, but we’ll be particularly highlighting stories of mental health, community, fundraising, and physical fitness.
For Great Run series ambassador and elite athlete, Eilish McColgan, running has always been a part of her life, and the Great Run events have been a proud part of her journey. Eilish first took part in the Junior Great North Run over twenty years ago, to now – a Commonwealth champion preparing for her fourth Olympics this summer in Paris, with the UK and European 10K and 10-mile records under her belt from the Great Manchester Run 2022 and Great South Run 2021.
Eilish McColgan, Great Run series ambassador, said: “I know firsthand the transformative impact running can have on individuals and their communities.
“It has completely transformed my life – not only is my body physically stronger than ever before, but I’ve met so many amazing people along the way.
“Running has helped millions lead fitter, healthier lives, supported with untold levels of fundraising, fostered lifelong friendships, and allowed us to create positive change in our communities.
“Mass participation events, such as the Great Run Series, provide us with an important reminder that regardless of your age, ability, or whether you’re first or last, everyone is together on the same start line to be part of something bigger than themselves. Everyone has their own personal best, their own goals to strive towards, which for me truly demonstrates the Power of Running.”
Every runner has a story
At Great Run, we know the power running has to make a positive impact on our lives in ways big and small, and that's why we’re celebrating local people, groups and communities coming together to be part of something bigger than themselves. Every single person who crosses the finish line is an expression of positivity, local pride, and personal achievement.
Here are just a few inspiring stories from the tens of thousands of runners who line up across our start lines each year.
Helen Ryvar
Helen Ryvar, 43, of Wrexham, North Wales, is the Guinness World Record Holder for running the most consecutive half marathons, hitting 111 back in 2021 following the sudden death of her ex-husband.
But Helen hasn’t stopped there, she’s now trying to break her own record for running the most consecutive half marathons for a female, and as of 29 February 2024, Helen has run 670 consecutive half marathons, with the goal of 1,000 half marathons by January 25 2025. Helen will be running all the Great Run series half marathons this year – joining the AJ Bell: Great Birmingham Run, Great Bristol Run, Great Manchester Run, Great North Run, and Great Scottish Run.
Helen Ryvar said: “It’s a little ambitious, it’s not easy by any means. I’m a normal human, now a single parent to three teenage kids. I run my own cleaning business and work full time. I fit these runs in around all of this by running 4:15am - 6:30am weekdays.
“Running has saved me from self-destruction, I’ve built a community, and I’ve raised money for various charities important to me, including Mind, Cancer Research UK, and Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham.
“I have posted every single run to Facebook, Instagram, and Strava since Day 1, and I’ll continue to do so until I hit my 1,000 milestone, and I’d love to encourage people to get into running as it’s helped me so much.
“Taking part in the Great Run series events will help massively, with motivation, with community and being a part of something bigger, as well as encouraging others to join me. I can’t wait to join the other runners this May in Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol.”
“The Power of Running has given me connection with my local community, and local run clubs. It’s even connected me with famous people. It’s helped keep me fit and healthy and able to do things I never thought possible in the past like run races, get PB’s and even run 50–75-mile ultra races. Running makes me feel great about myself, it helps keep me in a routine and fit and healthy.”
Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter, 47, has ran every Great Manchester 10k since it started in 2003. Furthermore, through his motivation to stay physically fit and active, for the past few years, Andrew not only completed the half marathon, but he also then circles back to join the 10k start line, running both distances in the same day.
Andrew, said: “31 years ago, I was an Apprentice Engineer, and we had an annual football match between two sides of the factory. After 10 minutes of said ‘game’ I could barely walk and couldn’t breathe. I simply couldn’t believe how unfit I was. I vowed never again. So, when it was getting round to the time of year to do the match again, I started running, here I am 30 years later!”
“I like to have a few races lined up across the year. I’ve done all kinds of races from 5K through to Ultramarathons and even 24hr runs. I sign up, and I know I then I must run and complete what I’ve signed up to do. I’m also at a point where if I don’t run/exercise, I feel unfit and worse than if I had gone out and just done a little jog. It’s habit and it’s incredibly addictive. I’ve always kept going with the Great Manchester 10K, and I don’t intend to stop either.”
“I think one part of the Power of Running is the mental health aspect. I recently ran in the hills for two hours covering just over a half marathon, I was wet through and covered head to toe in mud when I got back. It was a great two hours. Can I tell you what I looked at or where I went? Vaguely I can, but not in any detail. Why? I think I go into autopilot (bearing in mind my 30 years of running) and simply run and my mind just wanders. I liken it to sleep and dreaming. Dreaming is your brain defragmenting and ordering your experiences within your memory banks, when I’m running, I feel this is also what happens. Yes, you think about specific things or your route but also your brain is in defrag mode, CTRL/ALT/DELETE. End Task. Once I’ve run, come home, shower, I eat a mountain of food and sit down, and I can properly relax as I’ve dealt with all the day to day garbage in my head whilst running.”
Holly Tilt
Holly Tilt, 28, is running the Great Bristol Half Marathon and making her comeback one year after sustaining a serious head injury, all while continuing to manage the symptoms daily of post-concussion syndrome.
Like many others, Holly first took up running during lockdown, following the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme. It wasn’t long before she was hooked, soon progressing to 10k, half-marathon and marathon distances.
Running became a significant part of Holly’s life, so when doctors told her she’d have to stop running, the news came as a major blow to her.
That was in May 2023, soon after Holly sustained a serious head injury that continues to affect her daily life.
“When I first started running, I never imagined I’d become a ‘runner’ and how it would have such a huge impact on my life,” says Holly. “I could not have anticipated all the additional things that you learn from running aside from the physical benefits.
“Running has such power because it’s not just about putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about structure and setting a goal. It’s about pushing yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of, getting outside and doing something good for yourself, while looking after yourself mentally and physically. Running has the power to create real change in your life and sometimes you don’t realise it’s happening. It’s a joy for me and an anchor.”
“I'm a big believer and advocate for running for mental health, and exercise has been a huge part of my recovery. Bristol is my nearest city to my home and my university city - where I went to drama school to study for my career in the theatre industry which I can't go back to post injury. The Great Bristol Run is the weekend of the year anniversary of my injury and significant life change. Making my comeback after I thought I wouldn't be able to run at again; let alone run events – it’s magic.”
Halee Robinson
Halee Robinson, 21, is running the Great Birmingham Half Marathon.
Halee is a competitive netball player and fitness influencer who shares videos on Instagram to encourage women to stay active.
Halee said: “I am about three months into training and have another two to go so I hope to run some longer distances, reaching 15k plus over the next couple of months. The reason why I am running is also a motivator. I will be running for the Birmingham Children's Hospital charity. On my physiotherapy placements I have met many inspirational children and hospital staff that I would love to support by running for this charity.”
“The Power of Running to me is how it teaches discipline, routine and the strength of my body and mind. Anything is possible! Even on days where I don’t feel like going out in the dark or cold, I use positive self-talk and envision how I will feel after the run and that always gives me the spirit to get on a run! Discipline is a big takeaway and I think from starting to run at a young age I’ve always been able to apply discipline to any situation. This could be why I am still playing elite netball and being able to balance university, netball training, running training and netball coaching.”
“My motivation stems more from discipline. Although that satisfying feeling post run is incomparable and usually sets my day off to a good start as I am morning run lover. I also play netball competitively so knowing that following a progressive training plan will improve my overall fitness on a netball court is also a reason which encourages me to run.”
“I’ve also joined a run club that has started near me called BTND run club led by Jake Williamson. This has been super fun and chilled as I can do a low intensity run whilst meeting new people! My other hack to running is buying myself a new pair of trainers or nice bit of kit that you love because then I just get excited to get ready to go on the run which is half the battle!”
We want to hear your story
Every runner has their own reason for running - what’s yours? Tell us about your running story and what the Power of Running means to you, and you could feature in our campaign: greatrun.org/power-of-running/
Find your Great Run
The rise of the runner has been about so much more than just sport. Every person who puts on a pair of trainers and heads out of their front door instantly becomes a part of a global social movement - one that has facilitated untold levels of fundraising, fostered lifelong friendships, and helped millions lead fitter, healthier lives.
Mass participation events also provide an important reminder, that even in an increasingly divided society, people can come together and be part of something bigger than themselves. Each and every finish line is a joyful expression of positivity, local pride, and personal achievement.
Take your place on a start line near you: AJ Bell Great Run Series
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Lights on in Linwood
Crowds turned out in Linwood to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire
Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.
READ MORE
Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley
The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire
A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine
A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community
The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.
READ MORE
Erskine lights up for Christmas
Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!
READ MORE
Johnstone shines bright this festive season
Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley
Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Renfrew lights up for Christmas
Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley
Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment
A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas
Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event
Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links