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The Sharp Running Experience

Fit For Life, Fit For Adventure

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In the Beginning

So in 2014, I was 5 years into running my own 7-figure business and
living the jet-set lifestyle. The problem was that this left me with no time. In fact, factoring in time with the wider family, keeping up with friends and walking the dog, my own self-care and personal development were pushed so far down the priority list it barely registered.

A shocking photo, taken while on a 4-week family holiday in Orlando Florida, I had moobs, in fact, my moobs were bigger than my wife’s boobs. All 24 stone or 154kg of me!!!!

To cut a long story short!

(You can find out more about my journey to today's me within the other pages on this website)

By 2024, I no longer existed in life for others.

I was living my life for myself. Capable of cycling for miles if I choose, like the more youthful version of myself. I could perform handstands again when I wanted. When will handstands come in handy for meetings? Who Knows?

Yet feeling fabulously reinvigorated, I didn't run; that had to change!

Where to start

What started on a quiet Friday lunchtime 23rd February 2024 as I set off on my first run with our dog Ruby, was more of a run-walk than anything, 2.5 kilometres in twenty minutes, yet it was a start. I remember the relief when I stopped my watch that I’d finally begun the journey to support my wife Sarah in her first 10K had officially started.

Using the Nike Running Club app, I followed the 5km programme: eight weeks, five runs a week, mixed with my usual resistance training, then followed up with a 10k plan. We joined Parkrun in March and achieved a PB every other week, each step building belief.

Dream bigger. Start smaller. Keep moving forward.

Running History

York 10K 2024

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Yorkshire 10 Mile 2024

London Marathon

2025

Marin's transformation story is as inspiring as they come—and he just added another milestone to it by completing the London Marathon in 5 hours, 11 minutes, and 39 seconds! 🎉

Wow what an experience 🤩

The TCS London Marathon is done, my first of 3 fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust with Milton Keynes coming up next weekend and Leeds the weekend after.

And also my first ever marathon race, going not running in February to running what is the worlds biggest marathon 🏃

While I feel really positive, happy and excited to have completed this, my body is making me extremely aware of its achey bits, mainly being sore feet, back ache, tight hamstrings and sun burn. 🌝
If you are wondering what it is like? Well, getting off the packed train at Blackheath was similar to any other journey to or around London. Though joining the main road to see the sea of people walking up to the heath, then joining the 10’s of thousands of people waiting was a bit intimidating. It was a calm almost subdued atmosphere, each person going through their own mental and physical preparations, which became sheer excitement as their wave (and mine) were called up to the start.

The music was blaring and commentator doing their motivational moment, until we're given the instruction to start, with 42.2km/26.2 miles ahead.

The runners are awesome 🤩 each running for their own reason and with their own challenges. Whether decked out in an eye catching costume or the colours of a charity they are running for (just like me) or in their own running gear, many sporting the colours of this years London Marathon kit. 🎽👟

So how did I manage it? For me, I ran my plan. I felt amazing for the first 24km/15 miles hitting my groove of 6’30”/km (and sometimes faster 😳) enjoying conversations with runners on the way and grabbing a few selfies plus video snips (for another post)

At 24km/15 miles my body changed as expected to 7’30”/km, 3km/2 miles earlier than expected, though perhaps this was the heat. Then at 32km/20 miles it changed unexpectedly again to 8’30”/km and i had to dig deep to keep going. My right leg and hip was screaming at me to stop and when I did for a brief moment to collect some water, it stiffened quickly and it took another 1/2km to get back into a rhythm (reminder to self when going through hell, don't stop)

Though it didn't take too much to keep me going the thought of everyone who had supported me to get here and the electric crowd cheering all the runners on with whistles, shout outs, steel drum, drumming bands, brass bands, choirs, dj’s, banners, smiles and high fives ✋ plus so much more was inspiring in itself.

This propelled me to a personal best of completing in 5 hours 11 minutes and 39 seconds with a celebratory leap over the finish line 🏅

Fueling for the day included oats and whey to start the day. Hot cross bun and banana while waiting in the blue wave start pen. 9x 40 CHO gels, one each 30 minutes running, 2 packets of walkers crisps. Pasta bolognese thanks to the TCT chef 🙏 and Franca manca Covent Garden No7 sourdough pizza, which we forgot to get the free one until after we’d paid, who the manager allowed us to pay it forward

Massive thanks to: Gabriel Floresh Mike Dalesple who where Mark OverendpRuth DriscolltPaul CampbelloPaul SpeirstStanisław Stan SuchyeAlka PatelcSarah Sharp Dominic Furness Hannah Sharpel Flores Mike Dales Claire Fudge Mark Overend Ruth Driscoll Paul Campbell Chris RowellStanisław StMoses Joel Naloccal Sarah Sharp Dominic Furness Teenage Cancer Trust - 2025 TCS London Marathon Teamed me to do a marathon Alka, Gabe, Chris Rowell, Todka and Moses Joel Nalocca

And also a big thank you to Teenage Cancer Trust - 2025 TCS London Marathon Team for supporting those who ran on their behalf.

A special shout out to Lewis from Christ Church Uni who gave me an amazing back and leg massage, along with a good natter in Prince Philip’s House.

So what did I learn?
1) armpit chafing is a thing and painful. Need to rub body glide there next time.
2) heat really does affect your performance. Last 5 miles dropped to 8’30/km
3) i should have let Sarah rub sun cream on before i set off on the train as my back is so burnt because i forgot them.

If you haven't had a chance to add a donation for Teenage Cancer Trust the page is still available at http://sharpfitforlife.com/tct2025 as I have 2 more marathons to do 😳 and a big big thank you to everyone who has. I know they are incredibly appreciative of your support as this event is one of the main sources of funds for the incredible work they perform.

I wish all the runners good rest and a speedy recovery. It has been an honour to run with you all and maybe see you on a route in the future.

And the same for all the 7000 volunteers who did an amazing job from Shepherding and supporting all the runners with kindness, efficiency, effectiveness and fun.

Also the London fire brigade for the water showers / canons, those were really welcome 💦💦
Sorry for the radio silence yesterday, with a world record breaking 56,000 runners and estimated over 800,000 spectators, mobile internet wasn't great 🤣

Now it feels like I have to learn to walk again 😂

#MarathonRunner #TransformationJourney #BBCYork #TeenageCancerTrust #SharpFitForLife #HealthMotivation #MartinSharp #MentalResilience #RunningCommunity

Milton Keynes Marathon

2025

Thank you Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend for a fabulous day.

This was my 2nd ever marathon race after doing TCS London Marathon last week and with Jane Tomlinson's Run For All Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon being my 3rd on Sunday, all as part of supporting Teenage Cancer Trust with a challenge going from not running 14 months ago to 3 marathons completed in 2 weeks

Thankfully the weather was much cooler than London last week, which we were appreciative of.

The only real difficulty to the day was getting to the start line as the road were closed off 30 minutes earlier than described on the signage.

Starting the race my legs and body felt strong, the recovery strategy over the previous week had worked miracles and I was excited to start my next Marathon.

Gabe was feeling strong in spirit and legs having recovered as much as he could overnight and having lots of experience running multi day ultra marathons, though his feet were unsurprisingly sore.

We set off at a good pace circa 6’30”/km and maintained something near there for the first half, completing in 2 hours 37 minutes.

Then the real work started. The 2nd half was a different story, the fatigue and discomfort of the previous 117 miles setting in. When he mentioned he doesn't normally feel like this so soon in a marathon, i reminded him that he was effectively still doing an ultra as far as his body was concerned. Gabe’s will was strong and the support from the crowds, stewards, marshalls and other volunteers was unbelievable.

We laughed and joked and talked none stop for hours. With shouts of encouragement to other runners and words of gratitude to all the volunteers and officials. Even when employing run/walk strategies to keep us going.

Our slowest pace was at the 29th km when it dropped to 9’40”/km though gradually crept back up each km after to finish strong again with a 6’23”/km on the approach and run through MK Stadium.

A big thank you to Sarah the lady who was running the massages for runners, who kindly stayed for a little longer to give Gabe a much needed massage as well as helping an injured runner.

Also a special shout out to Sarah Sharp who along with looking after us both, brought joy and smiles to so many dressed as a koala for the superhero fun run. It was lovely to hear about how many people wanted to have photos with you.

What did I learn this time?

1) I prefer T-shirt cut running tops to vests. A lot less chafing under the arms, even when liberally coated in body glide.

2) The 2nd half of an ultra is not as predictable as the 1st. This really shouldn't have been a surprise.

While not a new learning, observing the sheer force of will that people are capable is incredibly admirable.

I wish all the runners good rest and a speedy recovery. It has been an honour to run with you all and maybe see you on a route in the future.

Now time to get ready for Leeds

Leeds Marathon

2025

This is the last of my 3 marathon challenge, going from not running 14 months ago to 3 marathons completed in 2 weeks

Engaging in physical activity is not always intended to be easy, but how can you discern the line between productive exertion and overexertion? Should discomfort be expected during a workout, and at what point does it signal something more serious?

The strategy for this one was slightly different again to TCS London Marathon and Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend as there are some hills in there The largest being a 100m climb over 4km.

Which on a hot and sunny day was exhausting, though worth it. Being in the fine Yorkshire rolling hills, a green and pleasant land. Though that starts with getting access to the stadium, which had more security than the other event. After checking in my bag and finding my way to the yellow assembly area, I was at the start with what has become the familiar upbeat music and motivational commentator.

Even the looks on each of the runners faces and what they were doing has become normal. Some coming from over seas, others from down the road. Some for their first ever marathon race as I was 2 weeks ago and others more seasoned with 10's even 100's of marathons completed. Yet all happy, excited and ready for the challenge ahead.

Red and Blue waves went through first at 9:00, then green and yellow at 9:10 to be followed by purple afterward.

As we ran over the start line, the cheers from the crowd were electric, 3 and 4 people deep for the first 5 miles, before it started to thin a little, though the love and noise was still showing.

The heat of the day probably took the organisers by surprise as there limited water available and only sponges provided on the way round until the last half mile when a water cannon was in place.

However, what love, generosity and support was shown by the whole community. So many houses had brought out hoses, garden sprinklers and water pistols. So many supplemented the hydration with more water bottles, cups of water, electrolytes and energy drinks. There were more Jelly Babies and Haribo than you can possibly imagine.

Plus the signs were as encouraging as the shouts of banter and rallying cries.

There were brass bands, steel drums, choirs, folk singers, guitarists, and so on to add to a festival vibe.

Let alone a highly motivated and energetic cow stampede as a group dressed up in inflatable cow costumes came moooving on through.

The first 13 miles went really well, the fueling strategy was working, the hydration was working, the pace was great and I was on my way to setting a new PB.

Have you ever noticed that things don't always go according to plan?

My legs started to feel heavy and stiff, I developed a pain in my right hip and lower back, I really didn't feel great, though knew I needed to press on.

I reached out to Gabriel Flores who repeated to me what I'd said to him the previous week "this isn't just 1 marathon, this is the accumulation of 3 you are carrying in a short time and you won't be recovered" Shortly followed by "drink some more and get some more fast carbs, which may help. You've got this, remember the plan march the up hills"

This run-walk combination got me from Pool to Otley, before the steep march up Leeds Road on the side of the Chevin.

Getting to the top I grabbed another burst of energy for a half-mile run, before being forced to return to the run-walk combo, continuing through sheer-mindedness and determination to succeed.

As I passed through Meanwood, I saw a mentee of mine cheering me on who asked how I was feeling, "bloody awful, though will finish this!" I replied.

Every part of me was saying to quit, though I knew I didn't want to, in fact I couldn't. This is what I'd set out to do, to help others and show what was possible.

I gathered enough strength and recovered sufficiently to run the final mile to the roar of the crowds through Headingley and back into the stadium, jumping over the line as I'd promised my son I would do, trying not to fall in a heap.

My watch was buzzing and so was my phone, it was Sarah Sharp calling, however I hit the wrong button so turned around to look at the stadium to see her with my mum and dad waving and hollering from the stand, smiles so wide on their faces. I have been asked after "would I have chosen to do this challenge?" Which I can honestly say, 1 year ago I would not have. I hated running. Though sometimes life knows you better than you know yourself.

Or as in Winnie the Pooh - "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Leeds 10K

2025

Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All Leeds 10K was as a meaningful event filled with energy, purpose, and connection. Thank you to the organisers at Jane Tomlinson's Run For All for creating a well-run, inspiring event that brought thousands together in support of movement and community. Sincere thanks also to the volunteers, supporters, and performers along the course. Your encouragement and presence made a lasting difference for every runner.

York 10K

2025

What a day in York

On Saturday 3rd August, Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All Arla Protein York 10K was everything I’d hoped for and more – the energy, the crowds, the shared determination.

This was my second time running the York 10K, and it felt extra special. Last year’s race was the catalyst that sparked this whole running journey – the moment that made me want to push harder, go further, and see what I was capable of.

Huge thanks to the organisers for getting us all to the right place at the right time, and to the marshals, volunteers, timers, AV crew and everyone else who kept us safe, motivated and smiling all the way round.

Marathon Photos Live, you captured the memories perfectly – including my leap over the finish line where I almost hit the timer

It’s been 18 months of training, ups and downs, and plenty of early mornings to get to this point. I couldn’t have done it without my family, friends and supporters – whether you’ve been there every step or cheering from a distance, you’ve been part of this run.

And to every runner who shared the road with me – you made the day unforgettable.

This is Sharp Fit For Life. This is why I run.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in a race or sporting event? I’d love to hear your stories

Sheffield 10K

2025

Yorkshire Marathon

2025

🏃‍♂️

My Final Marathon of 2025 — and What a Journey It’s Been!

This was my fifth marathon of the year — and my last one for 2025. What makes it truly special is that it was also my first year ever running marathons. Hard to believe that just a year ago, I only started running to support my wife, Sarah, as she took on her first 10K!

I began training in February 2024, following a couch-to-5K plan to get ready for the York 10K that August. I loved it so much that I just kept going — from the Yorkshire 10 Mile later that year, to the London Marathon in April, and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September while juggling marathon training.

What an adventure it’s been!

For this final race, my goal was simple: enjoy it, finish strong, and stay injury-free. Secretly, I was chasing a sub–five-hour time. The first miles flew by, but by the time I hit Stamford Bridge Road near Dunnington, that long double-back stretch tested every bit of grit I had left. Somehow, one step at a time, I kept moving — and crossing that finish line felt absolutely incredible.

The atmosphere was electric: cheering crowds through York’s historic streets, music in the air, and long, peaceful stretches through the Yorkshire countryside where it was just you, your breath, and your thoughts.

Waiting for me at the finish were Sarah and Hannah, all hugs and smiles — and in that moment, every tough mile was worth it.

To every runner who laced up before sunrise and took on those 26.2 miles — you brought the course to life with determination and joy.

Starting and finishing at the University of York, the event was brilliantly organised once again byt he Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All team.

To the volunteers, marshals, medical teams, timing crews, AV staff, and everyone behind the scenes — you made the day flow seamlessly.

To the organisers at Run For All — your spirit of “Your Marathon” was felt in every cheer, every corner, every mile.

And to all the families, friends, and supporters who clapped, shouted, and willed us on — you were the heartbeat of this marathon.

I may not have been among the fastest finishers, but I was definitely among the happiest. This experience reminded me that we’re all capable of far more than we imagine. I never set out to be a marathon runner — I just wanted to show up and support Sarah. But when you keep turning up, achieving one small goal at a time, extraordinary things happen.

Here’s to dreaming bigger, starting smaller, and always moving forward.

From struggling to run any distance to running full marathons.

If I can do it, so can you

By 4th August 2024 I’d run and loved the York 10K in 56:44, and that’s when I started to think, maybe I am a runner. The following months were filled with early mornings, long runs, aching legs and quiet moments where I found focus. The progress was addictive. One plan became another: 10K, half-marathon, and by December I was following an 18-week marathon plan. Over winter my Sunday morning long run mantra was “half marathon before breakfast”.

In what felt like no time, the See York Run York social marathon on 26th February 2025 (marathon day 26.2) was a milestone proving I could do the distance that gave me the confidence to take on London two months later.

What followed was a year I never expected.

Summited Carrauntoohil Ireland (22 Feb)

See York Run York Marathon Day Social (26 Feb) – 5:59:47

TCS London Marathon (27 Apr) – 5:11:59

Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend (5 May) – 5:50:59

Run For All Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (11 May) – 5:25:02

Run For All Leeds 10K (15 Jun) - 56:11

National Three Peaks Challenge (21 June) - 23:53:00

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (27 Jul) – 8:17:00

Run For All York 10K (3 Aug) - 57:27

Surrey Three Peaks Challenge (9 Aug) – 12:22:00

Welsh Three Peaks Challenge (6 Sept) – 12:25:00

Summited Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania (20 Sept) – 5895m h

Run For All Sheffield 10K (28 Sept) - 01:01:35

Run For All Yorkshire Marathon (19 Oct) – 4:59:29

Five marathons in one year, plus many adventures. My first ever year of running marathons. And together we raised £3,075 towards almost £1 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust, helping support young people facing cancer.

That cause means a lot to me. Like many families, ours has felt the impact of cancer, losing my uncle to pancreatic cancer, my father surviving thyroid cancer, and most painfully, my cousin’s daughter who battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with the incredible support of the Teenage Cancer Trust at Leeds General Infirmary. Running for them gave every mile a deeper purpose.

Each race brought lessons. Leeds was the hardest; cumulative fatigue hit hard. Milton Keynes was the friendliest, and Yorkshire was pure joy. During the Yorkshire Marathon, I didn’t know if I’d managed a sub-five-hour finish. My watch showed the marathon distance 500 metres before the line, two minutes to spare, so I ran with everything left, leapt across the finish, and staggered through the funnel, while looking at the official race time in disbelief.

Sharing those moments with Sarah, Hannah, and friends, often over a well-earned pizza, made each marathon unforgettable in their own right. Hearing my eldest son’s friends ask, “What’s your nutter father doing now?” feels like the best compliment.

Running has changed me completely. My breathing, endurance and focus have improved, and that’s filtered into every part of life work, family, and how I show up each day.

If you think you could never do this, ask a different question: How could I? Start small, stay consistent, and keep moving. You might surprise yourself.

Whats NEXT

2026

From struggling to run any distance to running full marathons

if i can do it so can you

_______________________________________________________________________

From struggling to run any distance to running full marathons if i can do it, so can you

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Lessons Learned and a Little Advice for Running

What do you think when you are running?

This was a very interesting question I was asked, and interesting because I wasn’t thinking. I was completely in the zone.

Feeling my breath, timing it to the fall of my feet. Avoiding the other runners and stray pedestrians, listening to music, and even singing at times, though not loudly.

The technique I was taught to control my breathing was my main focus. Aiming for 4 strides to each breath in, then 4 strides breathing out.

Controlling my breathing. If I could not do 4, then do 3. If I could not do 3, then do 2 and slow down a bit. Recover on the hills, don't try to go faster.

Run at my pace, not at the pace of others. Run relaxed, hold no tension in any muscles and shake things out from time to time. SMILE and SMILE some more, show that I’m enjoying it and my body will respond with more enjoyment. Take in everything around me, be in the moment and enjoy that moment, the feeling of the road, path or grass. The noise of the crowd, York minster bells and the groups of singers. Feel the wind on my face, the swish of my hair down my neck, the splash of water as another runner pours the water over their head.

The exhilaration of seeing the finish line and the sheer joy of crossing it, choosing to jump for joy over it rather than dive across as it probably is less painful. The calm as walking down through the funnel. The happiness of seeing my family. Then checking find my app to see where Sarah was and the thrill of seeing she was coming into the final stretch. The burst of energy to run down and meet her, catching up just after she crossed the finish line and leaning over the barrier to congratulate her with a hug saying well done!

No matter how much of a sweaty mess either of us were. I guess the old saying of "science in creation, then art in delivery" is even true of running a race. The thought was put in over the past 6 months, then on the day it was all feeling. Let go and let the body flow.