From Self-Doubt to the Finish Line: Amber’s London Marathon Journey

Running a marathon changes people. For Amber Whitaker, Sports Events Manager at the Young Lives vs Cancer charity, completing the London Marathon was about far more than crossing a finish line. It was a journey through grief, self-belief, fundraising, injury setbacks, and ultimately discovering what she was capable of. In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Amber sat down with Tim Rogers to reflect on her first marathon experience and share lessons for fundraisers and runners alike.

HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

The beginnings

Amber’s running journey began in 2017 after losing her nan to cancer. Inspired by the care provided by a local hospice and motivated by the atmosphere of the Brighton Half Marathon, she signed up for her very first race despite having “genuinely no running experience whatsoever.”

“If you’d told me five years ago, ‘Amber, you’re going to run the London Marathon,’ I would not have believed you.”

Living in Brighton and training along Southend seafront while on a university placement year, Amber gradually discovered not just a love of running, but the sense of purpose that often comes with charity events. After completing her first half marathon, Amber continued to challenge herself. She later returned to run Brighton Half again with her partner in support of Rocking Horse, a local children’s hospital charity.

Everything changed when she unexpectedly secured a ballot place for the London Marathon. Like many runners, though, the journey to race day wasn’t straightforward. Injuries forced her to defer her original entry, but rather than rush back too soon, she focused on recovering properly and giving herself enough time to train with confidence, including taking on the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2025.

The Importance of Preparation

Instead of following a shorter plan, Amber opted for a 20-week marathon build-up to give herself more flexibility and reduce pressure if injuries interrupted her progress. That decision proved crucial when she later dealt with an IT band issue during training. She also highlighted the importance of mental preparation. For Amber, marathon training wasn’t just about building physical endurance, it was about learning to believe she could actually complete the distance. That mindset became especially important during the taper period and the nervous days leading up to race morning, where self-doubt began to creep in despite months of hard work.

“You’re gonna cross that finish line whether you walk, crawl, hop; however you do this, you’re gonna do it.”

Experiencing the London Marathon

Amber vividly described the atmosphere of the London Marathon as “electric” from start to finish. Moments like seeing family and friends along the course, running past Cutty Sark, and approaching Tower Bridge became emotional milestones throughout the race. The overwhelming support from spectators, charity cheer points, and fellow runners helped carry her through difficult moments, particularly when she hit “the wall” earlier than expected.

Like so many marathoners, the final miles became a true test of resilience.

But once Big Ben and Buckingham Palace came into view, everything shifted. The finish line transformed from a distant goal into a reality she could finally see for herself. Alongside the challenge itself, fundraising played a huge role in Amber’s marathon journey. She chose to support Blood Cancer UK after her father’s blood cancer diagnosis and ultimately raised around £1,500 for the charity.

“We’ve done this amazing thing and we’re going to make such a difference to this charity.”

Throughout the podcast, Amber shared practical fundraising advice, including starting fundraising early, sharing training updates on social media, and connecting supporters to the personal story behind the challenge. Most importantly, she emphasised choosing a charity that genuinely means something to you. That emotional connection made both the fundraising and the marathon itself feel far more meaningful.

If you'd like to join Amber's team and run for Young lives vs Cancer find out more here

What’s Next?

Although Amber admitted she never expected to want another marathon after finishing London, she has already entered the ballot again. For now, she’s focusing on maintaining her fitness, enjoying shorter runs, and considering future half marathons and new challenges like Hyrox events. One thing is clear: the London Marathon may have started as a once-in-a-lifetime goal, but it certainly doesn’t sound like the end of her running journey.

HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE