About Run the Month: Marathon Edition

"Running became a way for me to honour my dad's memory and channel my grief into something positive."

From a rookie runner to a dedicated marathon trainer, Katy Falls is lacing up her trainers again this year to honour her father, Brian, who passed away from prostate cancer in 2018.

Inspired by her father's battle with prostate cancer, Katy’s running journey began with Run the Month in 2023 and triggered a running obsession that will lead to her taking on the London Marathon 2025.

Katy recalls her father's courageous journey with prostate cancer: "He was diagnosed in 2016 and faced the challenges head-on. Despite the hardships, he remained optimistic and focused on spending quality time with his family."

“I hadn’t run since school, but I was looking to take part in some fundraising events in dad’s memory, and saw Run the Month. My fitness levels were low and those first runs, on January 1st and 2nd were brutal.

“I kept telling myself no matter how hard it was it was nothing compared to what my dad had been through and that this was a great way to raise awareness in his memory. It also meant I had finally started to process losing my dad by having the headspace that running gives you. ”

This year’s Run the Month will be a key part of Katy’s marathon training and she remains committed to raising awareness and funding lifesaving prostate cancer research.

“Running doesn’t have to be hard, and you don’t always need to be chasing a PB or certain pace. Slow down, take in your surroundings, let it be enjoyable and just do it at your pace. Do the ‘Jeff’ method and run–walk-run if you need to. You’re only racing yourself!”