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From Couch to 5K to Marathon: Ordinary Runners' Extraordinary Journeys
24 Apr
Summary
- App milestone celebrated by four runners aiming for the 2026 London Marathon.
- Stories highlight overcoming personal challenges, including grief and illness.
- These runners used the app to transform their lives and achieve new goals.
The NHS Couch to 5K app is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of inspiring people to start running. Four individuals who began their fitness journey with the app are now preparing to run the 2026 London Marathon, sharing their motivating experiences.
Sheila Mitchell, 68, turned to running after the death of her daughter, Holly, finding it a 'lifesaver.' She is now preparing for her second marathon in 2026, raising money for the NSPCC in Holly's memory, proving it's 'never too late to try.'
James Dyer, 29, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2023, started Couch to 5K in 2020 to stay fit. He will run his first marathon for Diabetes UK, managing his condition with daily insulin injections and specific fuelling strategies during runs.
Alicja Bunio, 40, began running with the app while undergoing cancer treatment, finding renewed purpose and improved mental and physical health. She completed a half marathon a year after her diagnosis and is set for her second marathon in 2026.
Janine Anderson, 63, inspired by her children who have all completed marathons, downloaded the app to run for Heart Research UK in memory of her late father. She has already run over 750km since completing the initial program.
