On Sunday 8th May I ran the Hackney Half for Cardiac Risk in the Young. Along with thousands of others I crossed the start line, hoping that I wouldn’t evaporate in the 26 degree heat. The course began at Hackney marshes and weaved in and out of the east London streets, each corner as packed out with people as the next. The support was incredible, from little kids proudly offering bowls of sweets to scoop up, to friendly faces cooling us down with garden hoses.

For the last 4 miles the sun was well and truly out, and at this point it became a race against the heat. At every opportunity I grabbed a bottle of water and showered myself with it, the refreshment was fantastic. As I ran the last few miles I spotted the outline of the Olympic village, and I knew I was almost there. Crossing the finishing line was a proud moment, knowing that I had raised my game to battle the heat and given all my donors on my JustGiving page something to be proud of. I raised £345 for Cardiac Risk in the Young and I can’t wait to build on it next time!

Grace McLaughlin