Debbie’s Flown Back From “The Windy City” After Completing Her World Major Marathon No 3!

We are all so proud of our Sports Massage Therapist Debbie who completed the Chicago Marathon in three hours, 38 minutes and 33 seconds on Sunday 8th October - and she has the medal and certificate to prove it!

What makes Debbie's achievement even more incredible is that, after months of preparation, she unfortunately fell running for her connecting flight and landed full-impact on her right knee. Yet, despite her agonising pain, she wholeheartedly committed to complete what she'd set out to achieve.

Despite facing injury, after months of preparation, Debbie completing the Chicago Marathon in three hours, 38 minutes and 33 seconds on Sunday 8th October - an amazing achievement!

‘Debbie said: 'I had luggage in both hands so I could not break my fall and ended up with a very swollen and painful knee and hamstring. I had to have it taped up, take painkillers, stay optimistic and just get on with it. 

 'It was tough going, but considering my injury I was pleased with my time. I had to get myself in the right headspace. The mental side of things is an important part of running.'

Debbie was one of over 48,500 runners from 50 states and 100 countries who pounded the pavements through 29 of Chicago's neighbourhoods, running past many famous landmarks including Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park Zoo and Chinatown - known for its marathon celebrations including dragon dances.  

'It  was a well-organised race. The 7.30am early start was new to me but the weather was perfect. The week before it had been 32 degrees but it was a nice chilly start, warming up to about 18 degrees as I finished.'

There were 2,700 other runner aged from 40 to 80 plus from across the world, competing in their age groups and Debbie enjoyed the sense of camaraderie.

“It was a well organised race. The 7.30am early start was a new one to me but the weather was perfect.” - Debbie tells us about her experience running in the Chicago Marathon October 2023.

Before and during the race, approximately 78,000 gallons of water and almost as many bananas were provided to runners with an additional 40,000 ice bags at the finish line. 

'I looked shocking when I crossed the line but I'm so glad I persevered and got past the line despite my injury. To know that I had completed the marathon and received my medal and certificate gave me a wonderful sense of achievement. It was lovely to later celebrate with a meal and drink at the Hard Rock Cafe which, as most cities have one, has become a bit of a post-marathon tradition!'

It was Debbie's third World Major Marathon, running in the Abbot Wanda World Championship age group by achieving the qualifying criteria in the York, London and Berlin marathons. She's not only just qualified to run Boston in April 2024 for marathon number four but also shares other exciting news.

The Chicago Marathon was Debbie’s third international marathon and she has now qualified for the Boston Marathon in April 2024.

'I was also delighted to run a time in Chicago that will hopefully qualify me for New York in 2024 so, funds allowing, that will be marathon number five leaving the elusive Tokyo in March to qualify for. Getting all of the six major world marathons is my goal so I'm half way there!'

There's no stopping her!

If you would like to book in a Sports Therapy session in with our Debbie, please call one of our friendly team on 0114 235 2727!