Action Syria 2,026km for 2026 challenge: June update
In February this year I began training to not only run the Yorkshire Marathon in October (17 weeks away!) but to also run a few races beforehand. All of these miles combined go towards Action Syria’s incredible 2,026km for 2026 challenge.
Since it’s been a few months I thought I’d write an update on how it’s been going! Now we’re in June, early morning runs in the sunshine and the lovely long evenings have been highlights.
I ran the Sheffield half marathon in March. The atmosphere was amazing – so many people turned out to watch and cheer everyone on. It was so great to be out in the Yorkshire Dales too – a bit hilly and windy but so much fun. The last few miles were tough and helped me figure out where to adjust my training which was great! Getting some advice from my local running club was also very reassuring!
The variety of hills and flat road running are the best kind of races – they keep the long distances interesting and provide reference points to prepare for. In July I’ll be running the Battersea Park half-marathon which is a completely flat course so I’m curious to see how I get on. As a former Clapham resident, Battersea Park was my favourite place to run and I’m really excited to be going back.
Since the Sheffield race I’ve focused on strength training due to injury. I rested and took time off racing. Adjusting my training meant that my recent 10k around Roundhay Park went so well! I felt stronger which has definitely boosted my confidence for the marathon. A few weeks ago, I also returned to ballet after 11 years which has been amazing for strength and posture. During the 10k I focused on using my core and keeping my back straight which is all thanks to ballet.
If you’ve never been to Roundhay Park it’s beautiful. Running through the woods and around the lake was stunning. And of course, a post-race coffee and a flapjack at The Lakeside café was very welcome!
If you know me I can be a little (maybe an understatement) competitive about my times. Being forced through injury to let go of further races for a while and focus on recovery runs meant I didn’t lean into a tendency to push myself too hard. Thinking about the marathon months in advance has created time to understand my fitness level and how to protect from injury.
A few things that have helped me:
Joining a local running club - not only for training and advice but for social runs too. Training can get lonely and having extra support is so good for mental health.
Garmin watch - I love this! My family have running and cycling challenges (no guesses where the competitive streak comes from) – a brilliant way to track your miles and times, as well as your fitness during the run such as heart rate.
Get outside or on a treadmill as often as you can - If you don’t have time for a long run or really don’t feel like it, just get out anyway. Simply getting into the habit of putting your trainers on and doing what you can is better than doing nothing. It gets you into a rhythm of regular running sessions which will come in handy as the more intense training plan begins. I’m 17 weeks away now and preparing in this way has ensured I’ve made space and routine in my week to train – no matter the weather (just maybe not torrential rain – a story for another time perhaps).
Since my last blog post in February, Action Syria have been doing fantastic things as always. You can follow them on Instagram for their latest updates but I’ll tell you about a couple of exciting ones here.
In March the Actor Toby Jones made a BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Action Syria. The appeal focuses on the story of 11-year-old Limar, who is learning in a safe classroom again thanks to the support and funding of Action Syria.
As families are now returning home and Syrian communities look to rebuild, over 2 million children in Syria are still unable to access the education they urgently need.
Limar’s story illustrates how influential Action Syria’s work is to protecting the futures of children in Syria. Limar and her family returned home to rural Damascus in early 2025 but Limar was faced with overcrowded classrooms, broken desks and basic facilities in need of repair. Restoring access to education is more than having a safe classroom:
[education] restores routine, supports emotional wellbeing,
and helps children rebuild confidence after years of disruption.
Restoring access to education is a truly life-changing experience.
Press Release: Toby Jones to make BBC Radio 4 Appeal for Action Syria
A new desk is a place to write, focus, and sit alongside friends.
A smaller class size means more time for teachers to dedicate to individual students, to support and encourage their dreams and ambitions.
Restoring access to basic facilities like water, toilets, and electricity means a safe and comfortable place to learn.
Restoring schools is changing lives. Access to education means children grow up with options and choices about their future. It means they have a chance to make the things they dreamt about come true.
Action Syria has also been in Oxford and Guildford recently. The Beekeeper of Aleppo, a beautiful book by Christy Lefteri has been made into a play. The Action Syria team went to the theatres to collect donations and had an amazing response.
If you’d like to know more about Action Syria and/or the challenge, please do get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’re training for a marathon too and have any tips – all are welcome!
Georgia