People who are new to running are being urged to give the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend a try on 3 – 5 May because it is a great way to get started.
The Mid Sussex Marathon is a unique event that’s perfect for beginners because people can choose how far they want to run. The marathon takes place over three days, at three different locations and at each event beginners will be able take part in the shorter Mid Sussex Mile, which will run alongside the main Marathon race.
Local resident Natalie Chivers had no idea how much her life was about to changewhen she lined up at the start for the East Grinstead leg of the Mid Sussex Marathon two years ago. It was her first ever race and it would go on to ignite a passion for running she never knew existed.
“It scared the living daylights out of me at first,” admits Natalie. “I was probably like a lot of people out there – I didn’t want to make a fool of myself and I was worried I would be left behind by the other faster runners. But everyone was so supportive, those who finished first waited around to cheer you on and everyone respects you for doing it. Even the marshals were brilliant. I was expecting them to be thinking, there goes this flabby girl, but they were all applauding and urging me on, it really keeps you going.
“I had the best time doing the run. I felt so proud of myself when I finished and I kept my medal on for 2 days solid!”
Natalie got so much out of her Mid Sussex Marathon experience that she began to run regularly and was soon looking out for the next race to try. She ran her first full Marathon nine months later and completed an incredible five marathons last year, including the original Marathon in Athens, Greece.
Natalie’s development has been helped by joining Haywards Heath Harriers running club and she feels the support provided by local clubs is great for new runners.
“All the running clubs in the area are really friendly. I like being part of them because they cheer you on when you’re finishing, it feels like you’re part of a family more than anything,” said Natalie.
“I never thought that I would be able to run 10 miles and when I did it gave me such a confidence boost. I felt unstoppable, like I could do anything and that confidence helped me to improve other areas of my life. I’ve lost 3 stone in weight since I started running, I’ve got better skin, better hair, I’m more toned and I’ve got so much more energy, it’s just been amazing.”
The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend comprises three races over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Races take place on consecutive days and runners can take part in all three, tackle two or choose to enter just one race. Combined, the three races cover a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance.
If you would like to follow in Natalie’s footsteps, the Mid Sussex Marathon returns on 3, 4, 5 May. Find out more at www.midsussexmarathonweekend.co.uk.
