Giving Back at The Pilgrim Marathon – My First Time as a Marshal

Yesterday, 7 September, I had the absolute privilege of being a marshal at The Pilgrim Marathon – and what a day it was!

My running journey only began in 2021, when I unexpectedly secured a place in the 2022 London Marathon. Until then, I had never really run before, but that opportunity sparked something in me. Since then, I’ve run several half and full marathons, and through every single one I’ve been struck by how important marshals are. They’re the ones who guide you, encourage you, keep you safe, and give you that much-needed lift when things get tough.

My running icon has always been my dad, but the marshals at every event I’ve done come a close second in inspiration. So when I got the chance to give back and stand on the other side of the race tape, I knew I had to do it. And what better event to start with than The Pilgrim Marathon?

The race itself is stunning. The scenery is breathtaking, the atmosphere is uplifting, and the energy of the runners is contagious. I loved every second of being out there—stationed in the middle of the track with my red, black, and white pompoms, cheering runners on, pointing them in the right direction, and hopefully adding a little extra joy to their journey. I would have taken more photos of the day, but honestly, I was having far too much fun dancing around and shaking my pompoms to stop and grab my phone!

For me, it wasn’t just about directing people along the course—it was about sharing in their effort, their determination, and their triumphs. I hope I brought a smile to some faces, a little boost during the harder miles, and maybe even helped carry a few people through those darker patches that every runner knows all too well.

A huge thank you to the Rotary Club and Farnham Town Running Club for organising such a fantastic day. It was a privilege to be part of something so special, creating lifelong memories not just for the runners, but for everyone involved.

Sometimes the best way to celebrate the gift of running is to give back—and yesterday reminded me just how powerful that can be.