Running With Purpose: Stanley's First Trail Marathon

Stanley finished fourth at the Maverick Chilterns Trail on his first attempt at the distance. It was his first trail marathon, his first proper race on this kind of terrain and the first time anyone in his family had completed one.

He started running a little over three years ago in Germany, before moving to the UK. At first, he wanted to change how he looked, build his confidence and become someone he could feel proud of.

"I started running because I wanted to change the way I looked. I wanted to gain more confidence in myself and become someone that I would be proud of."

Running soon became something he wanted to stick with. Since then, Stanley has completed the London Marathon, several half marathons and a 10K, while his longest run has taken him to around 53 kilometres.

"Along the way, I started enjoying running, and it gave me so much joy. For once in my life, I found purpose. I had something that I genuinely, genuinely wanted so much, and that was to run."

He would like to race more often, but entries have to fit around work, family and everything else that needs paying for. Stanley speaks openly about those responsibilities and the fact that running cannot always come first.

"Most of the time, I don't really sign up for races because sometimes they are a bit expensive, and I do have responsibilities. I work, I have my mum and dad at home, and I have my brothers and sisters who look up to me."

"As much as I love running, it is not easy for me to get into races more often because I have needs and responsibilities that I need to cater for."

The Chilterns was very different from the road races Stanley knew. The hills, loose ground and changing pace all took some adjustment. He went in hoping to finish inside four hours, but the route quickly made that target harder to hold.

"I didn't expect the hills and the downhills, so it didn't go according to plan. But I am just so happy to have completed the race."

The climbs felt manageable, but the descents were another matter. Stanley started to struggle over the final few kilometres as fatigue caught up with him, giving him a clear area to work on before his next trail race.

"My biggest challenge was definitely the downhills. I am not very good at running downhill yet, so that is something I need to work on."

He still finished fourth from 52 runners. He also made time to stop and take in the route, choosing to enjoy his first experience of trail racing rather than spend the whole day chasing the clock.

"A few times during the race, I stopped to take in the scenery because it was so beautiful. The most important thing was that I got to enjoy myself."

Stanley's shoes gave him confidence on unfamiliar ground. He found them comfortable and well cushioned, with enough grip and stability to handle the looser sections of the course. His clothing also stayed comfortable in the heat, without any problems around chafing.

"The shoes were really comfortable. They had a great amount of cushioning, and they provided a smooth ride throughout the race. I felt like I could run both slow and fast in them, so they were a good all-rounder for me."

"The grip and outsole were excellent, which gave me a lot of confidence on the trails. They also felt really stable throughout the race. I didn't even fall at all. To be honest, I can't wait to wear them on the trails again."

His advice for anyone entering their first trail race is practical. Wear breathable kit in warm conditions, carry water and nutrition in a running vest, train for both the climbs and descents, and take the mandatory kit list seriously.

"Take it easy and enjoy it. This is your first run, so you don't need to put any pressure on yourself."

"Get everything on the mandatory kit list, even if you don't feel like you are going to need it. Trust me, get it and be well prepared because you don't know what might happen."

The Chilterns was also the first time Stanley had worked with a brand. He was open about what the opportunity with Pro:Direct Running meant to him.

"This is the first time I have ever worked with any brand. You are the first ones to give me a chance, put me in the spotlight and show me, 'We see you, we love what you do and we want to collaborate with you.'"

"You gave me a lot of hope. I really want to say thank you for even knowing that I exist."

Let's Run With Purpose remains a major part of Stanley's running. The group gives him people to train with, encouragement around racing and something to think about when the final kilometres get difficult.

"I don't think it is just a run club. It is like a running community. We don't just run, we celebrate, encourage and support each other."

"When I remember having such amazing people around me, I want to keep making them proud."

Next up is another Maverick event in Scotland, followed by the Big Half, the Great North Run and the Abbey Dash. Stanley also wants to improve his 5K and 10K times, return to the marathon and eventually run 50 kilometres in under four hours.

His first trail marathon brought a fourth-place finish, a difficult introduction to downhill running and plenty to work on before the next one.