Sophie on a mission to run 100 marathons

Meet Sophie Jane Ramplin who is on a mission to run a staggering 100 marathons! 

Sophie has joined us across many of our events including most recently the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, Yorkshire Marathon, Sheffield Half Marathon, Hull Half Marathon, and Leeds 10K. 

Find out about Sophie's running journey below.

What was your motivation to start running?

The main reason I started running was because I couldn't, I never found running easy and I to be honest I still don't which is why I love it. My dad always tells me to stick to swimming but I am like Dad, that's easy, I can do that, where’s the challenge?! My friend asked me to run a Half Marathon with her in Edinburgh and I was unprepared, winged it but loved it, and from there got the bug and started booking more races.

Also, how cool is it to be like so what did you do at the weekend?! Oh nothing, just ran a half marathon. The kids at school love it and are always following and asking what race is coming up, I remember a child being asked who inspires you most, and he said Miss Ramplin, look at her running, she would kick my ass and I want her to be my mentor. Now I did try with his Mum to do Leeds 10k but may have been too much too soon. 

My Sunday run days as I call them are days of escapism, a day to go to new places, meet new and old friends, and escape from the real world if only for a few hours and focus on myself and achieve something that still challenges me but yet I still make across the finish line. 

What is your favourite Run For All Event?

Easy, I tell everyone, my favourite half is Ramathon, I love the route, a mix of roads, canal, greenery, a really pretty route, and my first race under 3 hours (told you I am not fast). 

However, I am partial to loving Sheffield Half Marathon (not for the hills although the view from the top is amazing) but the crowds in Sheffield are amazing, especially at the top of the hill, after climbing all that way, the shouts, cheers and the occasional sip of beer sets you up for the last half of the run. 

Every year my aim is to run all the big events (all the halves and full). Last year, I did just that running all 4 Half Marathons and Yorkshire Marathon. This year I need to find a way to get myself to Ipswich and Coventry, I will let you know my verdict on those two.

Half Marathon is my favourite distance, but my 100-marathon goal has meant, I have run a few more marathons this year, so you don't really see me run less than a half. However, Leeds, Sheffield & Middlesbrough (Bury 10 Mile too, love that run) I love to run and try not to miss them who knew you could be home and showered all by 12 pm on a run day? 

What is your favourite part of Event Day?

That finish line feeling is something you can describe in so many ways yet not find the right one to really explain how good it feels. The Buzz at the start, during and finish is something you realised in lockdown gives you that extra motivation and excitement for your run. Now don't tell my dad, but my favourite part is chatting (can you tell I love to talk), I always walk away from the event with a new runner friend or two and I love hearing about other people’s running journeys and reassuring first timers they got this and they are incredible no matter their ability.