The ASICS Manchester Marathon is back on Sunday 10 April and City in the Community (CITC) is looking for people who want to combine their love of running with their passion for fundraising in the local area!

We caught up with Sarah Wilson, who ran for CITC in 2015, to find out what it was REALLY like…

So what made you take on such a big challenge for CITC?

I’ve always wanted to run a marathon before I was 30 and have run a number of half marathons in the past.  When I saw the opportunity to run for CITC I felt it would really help to motivate me, by raising funds for an amazing charity that has an impact in my local area. Plus combining my love of running and Manchester City appealed to me!

How did CITC help prepare you for the race?

I found the training programme given to me by CITC really good and easy to use. I was able to adapt it around my shift patterns to ensure I could fit it all in and helped me to keep on track. The Foundation kept in contact with me and gave me lots of useful information in the build up to the big day.

How did running the marathon impact your life?

I think the main thing I realised was how much time I have to fit things in around my job!! I always felt like I struggled to strike up a work-life balance, but training for the marathon made me realise how much spare time I had and now I use it much better.

What would you say to people who are thinking about running this year?

Do it!! It was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed every part of it and the feeling of pride and achievement was amazing! Plus running for CITC you can see straight away where your fundraising is having a positive impact on the local community.

What was the best part of taking part?

Finishing it! The feeling crossing the finishing line was up there with some of the best moments of my life (actually up there with Aguero scoring ‘that’ goal vs. QPR) and I will never ever forget it!

All CITC runners receive free entry into the 26.2 mile race and are asked to raise a minimum of £250. 

Interested? Email marathon@mcfc.co.uk by midnight on 5 February.