Glossop mum gears up for Boston

A Glossop mum of two will soon have the accolade of running in all six of the world’s major marathons. 

Claire Bardsley will round off her six star medal challenge in Boston later this month, having already completed marathons in London, Tokyo, Chicago, Berlin and New York. 

The Hadfield resident will have completed all six in just under two years, having started the challenge in 2023 with the London Marathon. 

With the Boston Marathon largely considered the most prestigious of its kind, there is perhaps no better way to cap off the feat. 

Speaking ahead of her final race, which takes place on April 21, Claire told The Chronicle: 

“It’s a marathon with so much history, and to be able to finish the challenge there is going to be so special. 

“There’s such a small field compared to other marathons, only 30,000 people get selected so to be one of them really is an honour.” 

The 45-year-old’s place at Boston was initially in doubt after her Chicago time was an agonising 23 seconds short of the threshold required to qualify, but fortunately she was offered a place through Abbott, the company who sponsor the event. 

Though Claire just fell short of the required time in Chicago, it was an amazing run for her personally, finishing in 3 hours and 28 minutes and smashing her record. 

“It was such a brilliant feeling,” the secondary school teacher told The Chronicle. 

“My record time was 3 hours 43 minutes which I set at the London Marathon, and my target was only to shave around five minutes off that, so to beat it by such a margin meant quite a lot. 

“I got quite emotional because I never expected I’d be able to achieve something like that.” 

As well as Chicago, Claire also has fond memories of New York: 

“New York was really special, they do an opening ceremony and it’s all very spectacular. 

“I loved it, but it was definitely the hardest I’ve done. 

“The climb at the end up to Central Park had me questioning every life choice I’ve ever made!” 

This astonishing achievement is made even more impressive by the fact that the now 45-year-old only began running consistently in her early 40’s, when she joined Glossop based running club Start2jog. 

“I wouldn’t be doing any of this if it wasn’t for them,” the inspirational mother told The Chronicle. 

“It was through the club that I got offered a place at the London Marathon which kickstarted everything. 

“I owe so much to everyone there, they make you feel so welcome and if I’m ever having a bad day and I need some motivation, they’re there to pick me up. 

“I’m also very grateful to my school, I teach at a secondary and they’re always very supportive and happy for me to have time off, so I’ve been really lucky.” 

When asked if she has any advice for people looking to get involved in running, Claire said: 

“Just do it - it’s never too late. 

“Start with a couch to 5k and go from there. You’ll see so many benefits both physically and mentally. 

“One thing I’ve learnt about long distance running is that it’s all about your mentality – it’s about overcoming that battle with yourself. 

“Yes you’ve got to look after your body, because it will break, but it’s your mind that will give up first. 

“There have been so many times where I’ve been out running and burst into tears, but you’ve just got to push through and come out of the other end- it’s so worth it.” 

When asked about her main motivation for pursuing the six star medal challenge, Claire said:  

“I was reading the statistics for those who have completed all six after my first marathon and thought- I can do this. 

“So few women have done it compared to men. 

“Just under 6000 women have done all six whereas over double the amount of men have. 

“Only 565 females in the UK have done it, and I just wanted to add one more to the tally.”