Birthday Miles for Charity Smiles: Bev’s London Marathon Story

SNAP’s very own Finance and HR Co-ordinator, Bev Stare, had always dreamed of taking part in the London Marathon since she was a little girl. She got her place on her second ballot try, only to find that she will be running on her birthday!

Bev filled us in after she completed the 2025 London Marathon: the highs, the lows and how her chance encounter got her through…

Why did you run for SNAP?

“My son Reece had an ASD diagnosis when he was very young, and we used SNAP back then. They were extremely helpful for him as well as for me. Providing me with lots of knowledge.

It was always a given that if I got into the London Marathon, ever, then it was the obvious choice to run for SNAP because it’s such a well-needed service in the area.

With working at SNAP now too for the past 3 years, I know how much the money is needed and how other families would benefit from the funds I’ve raised.

It was my turn to give something back after such great support to me and Reece.”

 

How did you find training?

It was fine but I found it lonely. You need to be disciplined and go out 3 times a week which was very hard to juggle with being out of the house for nearly 12 hours a day with working and commuting, plus family on top, it was hard to fit it all in.

This was my 5^th marathon, the other 4 were walking ones but I wasn’t worried about the distance. I was worried about doing it on my own as I knew how long it would take, no matter what speed you’re doing – walking or running.

 

How did you find it on the day?

“Hot. Very hot. The trains were all messed up in the morning heading up there, so I think any nerves went straight out the window as the focus was just getting there! I met a woman called Natalie on the platform while we were both waiting and ended up teaming up to get to the start at Blackheath.

“It was a massive bucket list moment for me, especially to then do it on my birthday too.”

Top tips on what to do and what not to do in training and on the day

• During training, get any injuries looked at
• Wear what you’re going to wear on marathon day during training
• Be organised with your snacks, gels, hydration
• Know where friends and family will be around the course to keep you motivated
• Listen to the crowd!

 

Would you do a marathon again?

Bev nervously laughs… “I did say I wouldn’t, but I seemed to have put into the ballot again. I do think my limit is half marathons especially in the heat. I was fine up until the halfway point, but the second half was hard going, and it was hard going to watch other people suffering.

Desired finish times we wanted went out the window because we just had to be careful in the heat. I wanted to finish it rather than not, so I’d love to try again to beat my time”.

 

Anything else you’d like to share?

“The day was amazing! If you ever get the chance to do the London Marathon, even if you have to part run/part walk which is what I ended up doing, due to a knee injury. Just do it.

I would not have got through that marathon if it had not been for meeting Natalie at the train station. And she said the same. We both got each other through, especially around mile 17 when we both had to dig very deep to get to mile 18 then we felt we were on the home stretch a bit.

It’s an amazing opportunity. The crowds get you through, even when you have to dig deep and it was just a fabulous way to spend my birthday. And I made a great friend for life.”

Has Bev’s story inspired you to take on your own challenge for SNAP?

Contact SNAP’s Fundraising Team on 01277 245345 or [email protected].