On 12 April 2026 I ran the the Brighton Marathon, followed just one week later by the Manchester Marathon. These were my first ever marathon(s).

Two Marathons. Here's why

Taking on both races was a personal challenge, as well as something I wanted to do in memory of our much loved and much missed friend and colleague, Chris Milner.

Chris was our Chief Solutions Architect at Health Data Research UK and loved bringing people together, supporting those around him, and encouraging others to learn and grow.

Completing both felt like a meaningful tribute: Brighton is home for me, and Manchester was a city Chris loved.

At his funeral, Chris’ family chose Ignite Hubs as the charity for donations, a choice that perfectly reflected his values and the impact he had in the world. With the support and blessing of Chris' family, I wanted to continue this legacy by raising money for the charity as part of this challenge.

Ignite Hubs is an award-winning education charity that inspires children and young people to explore careers in technology, STEM and the creative industries. They focus particularly on girls and young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, helping them develop the skills, confidence and connections to pursue opportunities they might never have imagined.

Another marathon !?!

Well… a section of another marathon.

To round off this fundraising challenge, I somehow convinced a couple of my HDR UK colleagues (Stephen and Emily) to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Hairy Haggis Relay Race on Sunday 24 May, where the 26+ miles are split across a team of four, or in this case three!

So, on a very warm day in Edinburgh and along the East Lothian coastline, we did just that: Stephen ran Leg 1, I ran Legs 2 and 3 (which accidently tipped me into another half marathon, so at least all that training is still proving productive) but excellent use of all my training), and Emily ran Leg 4.

Massive credit to Stephen and Emily, who somehow let me convince them this was a good idea! Feeling very proud, very grateful, and very ready for a rest.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared the page, supported along the way. Your support will help Ignite Hubs continue their incredible work with young people across the UK.

Ruth

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Photos.

1. Friend and colleague, Chris Milner

2. Ignite Hubs in action

3. Running past Brighton Pavilion during the half marathon

4. Closing in on the finish line of the Cambridge half

5. Road signs are out...

6. One down, one to go

7. Very near the end of Manchester!

8. Double marathons, double medals

9. This finish line! (Hairy Haggis)

10. Relay runners