I am not a particularly sporty person, but decided that the Hackney Half would be a great opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause and to increase my fitness/challenge myself.

I was incredibly nervous before but nearly 13,000 people turned up to run and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was so heartwarming to see how many people were running for charities – I actually welled up when running alongside people in fancy dress costumes on a boiling hot day!

I’d heard rumours that the Hackney Half garners the biggest crowd of any local run and it certainly seemed like it! The support was incredible and super encouraging, and all the runners help each other along.

Overall I’m chuffed I completed it and really pleased that I’ve raised money for CRY. People have been very generous and my brother (who’s friend sadly died from an underlying heart condition when they were at university) is very appreciative.

Rachel O’Hara