On 22nd September 2024, thousands of runners participated in the 13.1 mile long Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon.
I interviewed local amateur runner Amie Coulson (28) who finished the race in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 46 seconds achieving her personal best.
As of 20th October 2024, Amie has requisitioned 167% of her original £1,000 fundraising goal to "help provide (for) individuals with long term neurological conditions" motivated by a family member's fight with multiple sclerosis.
Amie says funds will go towards HealthWorkz, a gym which accommodates fitness for people with neurological diseases, and "greatly benefitted" her mother Reggie.
Livestrong.com suggests "there were about 2.1 million half-marathon participants" around the globe in 2019 which denotes a recurrent adoration for the sport.
Largely attributable to the covid-19 pandemic, running is rapidly becoming one of the most loved recreations in the UK.
Statistics from statista highlight an increase of 300,000 individuals engaging in "running as a sport activity" in 2023 in England - in addition to an existing 5.9 million.
Running as a form of exercise has myriads of benefits.
Regardless of age, the NHS says regular exercise can facilitate a "healthier and happier life" and advises adults to undertake 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of "physical activity" each week.
The NHS additionally lists an extensive enumeration of illnesses that can be more readily avoided through exercise: namely coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes as well as dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), depression and osteoarthritis.
Other prevailing incentives to take up running include its positive influence over our mental health.
Figures from mind.org.uk suggest as many as 1 in 4 people "will experience a mental health problem" each year - but articulates the true statistic is likely higher.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, physical activity "releases chemicals" that can help "boost self-esteem" while also supplementing sleep.
I spoke to local student Immy Tarling (16) who says that running is a "great way to clear (her) mind" and helps her to stay in the moment.
For any aspiring runners, Amie personally recommends schemes such as parkrun, which "gives a sense of community", and the free couch to 5k app.
She says completing the half marathon was "as much a mental challenge as it (was) a physical challenge" but was grateful for the "love and support from those waiting" for her at the finish line.
Especially this year, she says the marathon provided her with a "distraction and purpose" as she raises money "in memory of (her) mum".
Amie's brother, Ben Coulson (32), says he is "so proud" and described the half marathon as "impressive".
