Hi, I’m Natalie, and in April I’ll finally be ticking something off my bucket list, running the TCS London Marathon.

My love for running

Running has been part of my life for decades. My first marathon was in Hong Kong, my first half in Macau, and since then I’ve raced across Asia, the UK, and Europe. After moving from Asia to England 11 years ago, I’ve dreamed of lining up on the streets of London. It’s always felt iconic to me, a celebration of running, community, and everything the sport represents.

My motivation

But this marathon isn’t just special because it’s London. It’s special because of why I’m running it.

For over a decade I’ve been a volunteer athletics coach, working with young people from Year 6 upwards, as well as older athletes who meet weekly to stay fit, compete, or simply enjoy the running community (and the post-track coffee!). I’ve seen how powerful sport can be: it builds confidence, creates friendships, opens doors, and gives people a sense of belonging at every stage of life. Even my daughter now runs at an athletics club, seeing her grow within that same supportive community reminds me exactly why I care so much about making athletics accessible to all.

That’s why I’m running for the Personal Best Foundation, a charity that transforms young lives through the power of athletics. Right now, millions of children in the UK are at risk of missing out on the health, confidence, and opportunities that sport can bring, simply because of inequality and poverty. The Foundation exists to change that, breaking down barriers and giving every child the chance to discover their own personal best.

Their mission truly resonates with me. I’ve watched junior athletes I coach grow from nervous beginners into regional and national competitors. I’ve also seen the quieter transformations: a shy teenager finding their voice, or an older runner rediscovering joy in movement. Sport has shaped my life and my community, and I want more young people to have those same opportunities.

Inspiring future generations

I also hope that by running this marathon, I’ll inspire the young athletes I coach to believe in themselves, to chase big goals, even when they feel out of reach. It’s not just about crossing the finish line in London; it’s about showing them that with consistency, courage, and belief, you can achieve something that once felt impossible. Whether they dream of medals or simply want to run their first lap, I want them to see that it’s okay to start small, to be unsure, and to keep going anyway, because that’s where growth begins.