Friday 27th March 2026

Claire Keith 🍒 writes her wonderful account of Phoenix Runnings Golden Treasure Marathon 🙌

…..After a little flurry of marathons last year bumping up the numbers, I realised that I was able to reach a certain number completed by a certain birthday 🎈 happening later this year, which felt like a great way to celebrate 🥳

Frustratingly I realised far too late that I had miscalculated (which annoyed me as I like maths) and I was going to have to settle on a certain number achieved *during* my birthday year rather than *on* my birthday, as I had no race free weekends left to fit another marathon in.

Then on Tuesday (24th March) I discovered the Phoenix Running Group host midweek marathons and there was one happening in either 2 or 3 days time. Now 2 days notice to be marathon ready felt ridiculous, but 3 felt possible 😃

So I got the day off work agreed and my Mum on board to do the morning school run and off I went at 5am on a roadtrip to Walton-on-Thames! Exciting! 😁

Despite it feeling tougher towards the end it was a brilliant morning! The Phoenix Running Group are so welcoming and friendly. It is a rock up and start when you’re ready run and I needed to do 8 laps to meet my personal goal, with the only time target being to enjoy it but also get back in time for the afternoon school run ⏱️

It was part of a ’12 in 12 challenge’ for some where they will do the course everyday for 12 days 💪💪 I was happy to do just the one 😅

The route is perfectly set up with the out and back lap allowing every runner to wave, smile and encourage each other each time you passed 🙌 I arrived as a stranger but left as a friend 💜

🎤 Well done Claire 🍒 What she doesn’t mention is that she ran this in a sensational 3:21:15 and actually finished overall 1st 💪🏼 Mighty impressive and on a school day too 😜 🙌

Phoenix running hold events in West Sussex, Bedfordshire, Kent and Surrey throughout week days and at weekends.