The long-distance runner recorded the third quickest marathon debut by a British female athlete in history
Lucy Reid believes that the sky is the limit.
Last month, the British long-distance runner clocked 2:26:35 – her gun time was 2:26:37 – at the Malaga Marathon (December 15), a mark which put the 32-year-old 14th on the UK all-time list over 26.2 miles.
It was also the third quickest marathon debut by a British female athlete in history. Only Paula Radcliffe (2:18:56) and Calli Hauger-Thackery (2:22:17) have gone faster in their first race over the distance.
Remarkably, Reid initially planned to run in Valencia two weeks prior to Malaga, but had to postpone her debut marathon by a fortnight because of a sickness bug and sprained ankle.
Her build-up to the marathon included three popular domestic races – The Big Half, Vitality London 10,000 and Manchester Half-Marathon.
Reid placed third, second and first at the respective events and recorded a personal best of 69:13 over 13.1 miles in the latter.
Early on in 2024, Reid also travelled to Iten, Kenya to take part in a high-altitude training camp – a trip that she describes as a “rite of passage” – but sadly sprained her ankle only a few days into the trip.
Overcoming challenges and adversity is nothing new for Reid, who balances a full-time job at JPMorgan Chase with her running endeavours.
Here is an exclusive interview with Reid on her 2:26:35 marathon, how she got into running and potential over 26.2 miles.
Lucy Reid (Richard Owen)
How did it feel to run 2:26:35 on debut in Malaga?
I was delighted with the run and to nail the first one was really special. I hadn’t even thought about having a debut marathon that ranked anywhere.
When someone said to me that it was the third quickest debut marathon by a British female athlete I couldn’t quite believe it!
I felt like I had it in me to run mid-2:20s based on where I was fitness wise. So to deliver it when it mattered was really special.
What was your training like going into Malaga?
So in the immediate build-up to Malaga, I sprained my ankle and got a sickness bug. Prior to that however things had gone really smoothly and I was able to put together a consistent four-month block together.
With it being my first marathon, I did longer mileage in this block than in previous others. In past years, we worked out that I responded well to marathon-style training so this block didn’t look too indifferent to others.
My average training would be 75-90 miles per week but the peak for the marathon was around 100 miles. It was a little bit higher but there wasn’t a huge difference. The length of some of the runs, particularly midweek, were also added to the programme. I felt like I responded well off that slightly higher mileage.
The arc of the marathon block, including a taper, was completely new to me however. It was fun to learn a lot of new stuff a long the way. I’d be training with a lot of different groups in London and it was good to get that variety as well.
Lily Patridge [L], Eilish McColgan [C], Lucy Reid [R] (LM Events)
How did The Big Half, Vitality London 10,000 and Manchester Half help you for the marathon?
I enjoy racing a lot and I haven’t done it too often. The Big Half and Vitality London 10,000 were great as the atmosphere is always brilliant and I live in the city as well. To have got on the podium with the likes of Eilish McColgan and Calli Hauger-Thackery was an awesome experience.
One thing that made The Big Half challenging was that my alarm clock didn’t go off so I only woke up an hour before the race! I was also recovering from Covid-19 so that was one where I just had to grind it out and take third place.
Vitality London 10,000 was fun and I don’t do 10kms that often. Then doing Manchester Half on top of that helped build up my resilience well.
What was it like going for you mentally in the latter stages of the marathon?
The fact the tricky part of the course was in the final 10km was both tough and a blessing in disguise. I ran the first 33km or so quite comfortably. I’d chatted to my coach Richard Owen and kind individuals who’d done Malaga before the race, so I could get the advice about that last 10km.
In the end, I had enough in me to take on those hills at the end. During the last 5km I managed to see my parents and coach, which helped carry me over the line. There wasn’t a load of support on the course so that really lifted me in the latter stages.
Calli Hauger-Thackery [L], Eilish McColgan [C], Lucy Reid [R] (LM Events)
What does it mean to have the third quickest marathon by a British female athlete in history?
Both Paula Radcliffe and Calli Hauger-Thackery are incredible athletes and I’d never put myself in the same sentence, in terms of marathon ability, with them. I think I just enjoy the longer distances and this has now given me a great confidence boost over the next few years.
I know Calli well and she’s been so supportive of me. I had a call with her before Valencia to ask a load of marathon questions. She’s fantastic and inspiring. Seeing her run times in the low 2:20s makes you think I could give it a go.
So many British female distance-runners are making a name for themselves on the global stage. It’s kind of insane how many have broken the 2:30 barrier and it’s exciting because there’s a lot of talent. It definitely pushes you on and it’s exciting to see how things can evolve further.
How’s the balance for you between having a full-time job at JPMorgan Chase and running?
It’s tough and it took me a while to prioritise things and how to best fit in training, fuelling and sleep. It’s the case of being really efficient on time. Most days you’re doing the job and a run or something like strength and conditioning. I’ve had to make some sacrifices as the weekdays really are just working and running.
In terms of how we set the training, it has to be a bit more flexible. If I’ve got a big thing with work or I’m just knackered, then we’ll just move stuff around. You’re not going to get the best out of yourself if you’re not able to train properly.
I’ve also prioritised sleep now and learnt to take holidays around the marathon blocks. That’s helped mentally as well. Incrementally over the years, I’ve learnt a lot and recovery is also a big thing now.
Lucy Reid (Mark Hookway)
What was the inspiration in getting into running in the first place?
I did start when I was young. At Primary School, my P.E. teacher recommended I go to the local running club in Tonbridge and that started everything off. Through the age groups, I represented them and loved it.
It was maybe later, until after university, that I realised my physiology was more suited to the longer stuff. I’m now excited I’m in my marathon era as it’s what I enjoy.
How did it feel to get a contract with PUMA?
That’s just a dream come true to be honest. You know, every person thinks about what it’s like to be a professional athlete. I know I’m balancing two jobs but you know what I mean! I love the shoes and they’re second to none. The team are so nice and it’s been a great positive experience.
I messaged them earlier on in 2024 and thought ‘you’ve got to go for this’. Things went from there and I was soon talking about my plans, ambitions and what I thought I was capable of. Given what’s happened in Manchester and Malaga, it’s set me up for the next few years.
What are your thoughts and ambitions in 2025?
It’s an exciting time for sure. I’ve still not achieved a GB vest and that’s a lifelong goal. That’s the pinnacle of the sport. I feel like the sky’s the limit in all honesty. I’m viewing this as not just 2025 but the next few years where opportunity lies. I want to shoot for things and the momentum in the marathon is going in a good direction.
I’d love to have a crack at it [World Championship qualification standard of 2:23:50]. We haven’t finalised plans but I’d love to run the time in a Spring marathon. So yeah, we’ll see!
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