I wasn’t a natural runner, and I found it tough at first. The Ikano Bank Robin Hood Half Marathon was my first half, and since then, I’ve run it four more times. Running has truly changed my life; I’ve now completed 11 half marathons and three marathons. Along the way, I joined three running clubs and a triathlon club, meeting incredible people.

I remember signing up for my first half marathon after only two runs with Woodthorpe Huffers and Puffers, when I’d only ever run 3 miles. Training was hard, but I loved every second!

I never saw myself as a runner, but it’s become one of the best things I’ve ever done. I started with the Notts Women’s Runners Couch to 5K group, feeling self-conscious but quickly finding support from other women. Their encouragement led me to tackle longer distances, and I soon realized I could do more than I’d imagined.

Running and being part of a community have taught me so much about myself. I believe anyone can achieve their goals with enough support and determination.

I started running in 2015 to lose weight but soon found it brought so much more—friendships, confidence, and a sense of achievement. In 2017, I launched a running group, which led to DOrunning, a Community Interest Company promoting health and wellbeing, especially among less active communities.

Since then, I’ve completed many races, including four marathons and an ultra, yet the Robin Hood Half Marathon remains special. As a Nottingham native, running through our city with local support is always a highlight, and I’m honored to be a Community Ambassador this year.

I am a runner - not a fast one, but a very passionate one, and I love nothing more than encouraging others to discover the joys, highs and perks of running for themselves. Running is about mental wellbeing and running builds communities and inspires a sense of belonging, and especially now, we need this more than ever.

The Robin Hood Half Marathon in 2017 was my first ever half marathon. Since then, I have run 11 more Half Marathons, 3 full marathons and done an ultra, but I have also become a LiRF, a pacer, and am one of the run directors at Beeston parkrun.

The Robin Hood Half Marathon is 'our' event, 'our' local celebration of Nottingham's rich and diverse running community, and experiencing the buzz of the day, being cheered on and willed on literally by thousands of spectators and participants, made me realise how much my community means to me. They made me realise that it's my turn to give back to my community and help as many others as I can to take the plunge and embrace 'our' Half Marathon and showcase the very best of Nottingham.

Instagram @gneher