Fundraising advice and inspiration • 28 August 2025

Five tips for loving your run (not just finishing it)

Signing up to run for cancer research can feel daunting, especially if you wouldn’t class yourself as a ‘natural’ runner. But take it from someone who has covered more than 12,000km over 12 years and raised crucial funds for charity – the key is in finding joy in the journey, not just in crossing the finish line. Here are five practical, personal tips on learning to love your run.

I’m never the fastest, I’m not an expert, I don’t look like an athlete, but I absolutely believe in everyone’s ability to enjoy running!

Our Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy, Sian, with her lovely mum. Both are smiling at the camera with their arms around each other.

Hi, I’m Siân!

I’m the Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy here at Worldwide Cancer Research, but in my free time I’m also a very keen marathon and ultra runner – I've actually run the London Marathon, twice (and once for the charity, since I’ve been here!). But I definitely wouldn’t say that I was ‘born to run’. If that sounds like you, and you’re feeling more than a little bit nervous about pounding those pavements for cancer research, I’ve got some top tips for you.

Running is something I only really discovered the joys of in my 20s. Like many of us, I absolutely hated PE in school. But, as I grew older, I realised that I loved being able to challenge myself and do something that improves my overall health and wellbeing. Twelve years on, I’ve clocked up ten marathon distances – from running everything from fancy dress at Marathon du Medoc, to a seaside PB for my 30th birthday.

The hardest run that I have ever done was the marathon I completed just five weeks after I lost my lovely Mum to cancer. She had responded well to treatment for a while, but her death came very quickly in the end. By that point we’d said everything we needed to say and she knew she was loved, so I take a lot of comfort in that.

Because she had been in and out of hospital over the weeks and months before, my training had been all over the place.

It would be an understatement to say that I was a bit of a mess on the day. There were a lot of tears – and hugs with total strangers – but I still made it to the end. I kept Mum in my heart all through the route and poured everything into my fundraising, which really helped me get through it all.

So, here are my honest (and hard-won) tips to stay smiling and actually enjoy your running, no matter the distance or your fitness level:

Get a training plan:
Training takes time and makes all the difference on the day when you need to dig deep. Be realistic when building your training around your other commitments. There is no point making a plan that will be impossible for you to follow! The plan is there to flex – so be kind to yourself and listen to your body - but giving yourself structure is crucial. Trust the process and stay consistent.
Share your story: 
What’s your motivation? Why are you doing this? Every single one of us runs, and fundraises, for a unique reason. Share it with your friends, your networks, your colleagues. They will appreciate your honesty and be grateful that you shared your story with them. Be honest about the ups and the downs on your training journey, because we all have them. Stay honest with yourself and others. Remember why you run.
Find your tribe:
Not everyone wants to talk about your marathon, your ultra run, or your PB… but when you find them, hold onto them! The Worldwide Cancer Research team and your fellow Curestarters will get you through too.
You might need to pivot:
Life is unpredictable. Injury, weather, life - things get in the way, and that’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up. It is so important to look after yourself, emotionally and physically, to make sure that you can come back even stronger. If you can’t do that race now, you can do it next time! Your tribe, your friends and family, and your Curestarter community, will be there to support you through all of your highs and lows.
Smile (even when you’re not feeling it):
When I think back to the Brighton Marathon that I ran in 2019, I was really struggling. But even just smiling – even when it was a bit forced – and feeling those endorphins gave me such a boost...and a PB! There is a lot to be said for the crowd carrying you some of the way when things get tough, but you really are your own best cheerleader, so go go go!

I really believe that running is so much more than a finish time or a medal. It’s about community, wellbeing, and believing in yourself.”

There you have it. I went from hating running, to it becoming such an important part of my life, so I really do believe that anyone can be a runner. You don’t have to run the fastest, look like the elites, or have a deep and meaningful reason for doing it. As long as, on balance, you are enjoying yourself, that’s what really matters. 12,553km later, I still don’t look like a runner, but I am a runner...and I’m still smiling!

As well as the joy running itself brings me, I also feel really connected to being a Curestarter. Every day, I work towards a future where more breakthroughs will unlock more cures – and a day when no life will be cut short by cancer. I am proud to be able to help build a future where my Mum’s story won’t be repeated for other families.

You can fundraise for Worldwide Cancer Research in whatever way suits you best.

Whether you are tackling your first 5K, taking on a marathon, joining a local fun run, or even organising your own running challenge, every step you take and every penny you raise helps us get closer to a day where no life is cut short by cancer. So, set your own pace, choose your own distance, and turn your miles into meaningful change. We will be here to support you every step of the way and celebrate you from start to finish!