Wheelchair athlete prepares for 11th London Marathon

"I've always loved taking part!"

A wheelchair user from Devon is gearing up to compete in her 11th London marathon.

It's been more than a decade since Sarah Piercy last took part. The first time was when she was 19 years old, when she didn't realise she won the wheelchair race at the event's debut in 2000. 

"I've always loved taking part", Sarah said. "The atmosphere, the crowds, and going over Tower Bridge are incredible. I've really missed it." 

Sarah has been preparing for a comeback with the help of a local strength studio. She lives with arthrogryposis, a condition affecting muscle development and joint movement. "Training has been fantastic", she said. "The team are really supportive and understanding".

Studio Manager of Fit20, Pete Eggleston, who has been overseeing Sarah’s training, described her progress as remarkable:

“You can see the elite athlete in her. There’s always one more rep, one more push. Her stamina, strength and energy levels have all improved significantly, not just for the marathon, but for everyday life as well.”

He added that Sarah’s journey highlights something often overlooked in traditional fitness settings:

For Sarah, the goal is now firmly in sight. “I can’t wait to get around that final corner, down The Mall, and have that medal put around my neck,” she said. “I’ll have the biggest smile on my face.” While she says this will be her final marathon, she admits she has said that before.