Thomas takes on Brighton Marathon!

“Rising Sun does incredible work for women and children in not only Folkestone but across the county too.”

After completing the Couch to 5k, a world of new experiences was opened up to Thomas as he began to feel more confident in his abilities, and led to him joining Folkestone Running & Athletics Club. One thing led to another and Thomas found himself completing the Manchester Marathon in 2024. Now, Thomas has challenged himself to run Brighton Marathon on Sunday 6th April whilst raising funds for Rising Sun!

So far, Thomas has already raised an incredible £555 to support survivors of domestic abuse, with him over half way to reaching his target of £1,000!

Our Community Fundraiser, Emma, sat down with Thomas to find out more about how he got into running and why he’s chosen to support Rising Sun with this challenge.

When did you get into running and why?

I had always been a fan of running, whether it be gentle jogs along the seafront or jumping on the treadmill (briefly) when I visited the gym. However it was really three years ago after I came out of a really unhealthy – both physically and mentally – time of my life and began to make a lot of positive changes. Among things like seeking support from friends and family, a healthy diet, therapy and new life goals – it was really getting into running that kicked things into gear. I trained for a local Santa fun run by trying out the Couch to 5k app which gave me the structure and motivation to stay committed. It opened up a world of new experiences as I began to feel more confident in my abilities, so much so I joined the local parkrun and eventually an actual running club.

Folkestone Running & Athletics Club boosted not only my love for running but a love of connection to others. Supporting fellow runners and receiving that support back tenfold has massively impacted my life in so many different aspects.

One thing led to another and I ended up signing up and completing the Manchester Marathon in 2024. I’ll never forget that experience and all it took to get there. Doing it again must really be easier…shouldn’t it?

Why did you decided to take on Brighton Marathon?

I love Brighton, it’s a beautiful, colourful and welcoming city that also holds one of the UK’s big three marathons. I have a lot of runners on my dad’s side of the family and they all come from Brighton. It seems fitting that as an Aspinall, I follow the family tradition. 

Why did you want to do it for Rising Sun?

When I chose to take on another marathon I wanted to do it for not only myself but for others too. I’ve lived and trained in Folkestone all my life so it felt right that I should run for something local. Rising Sun does incredible work for women and children in not only Folkestone but across the county too.

“I know many women in my life, and could say that pretty much all of them have encountered unwarranted interactions that have left them feeling hurt, scared or sadly even abused. It takes all of us to recognise those signs and help prevent them – especially men who should take a proactive approach in confronting and reflecting on our own behaviours.

I hope that by using running which I love and utilising it to highlight charities like Rising Sun, will not only signpost people who need it but also encourage others to understand what things they can do to help put an end to domestic abuse.”

How did you hear about Rising Sun?

I have friends who have used the service before and have been incredibly thankful for it. 

In my own work, I have promoted the charity and stayed informed on the incredible work the volunteers do via their website and social media.  

What do you think is going to be the biggest challenge?

Doing anything can feel like a challenge sometimes, even when I love it and I’ve done it before. Getting up early and coming home late because I’ve been training, doesn’t get any easier! 

I think the hardest part is the freezing weather we’re dealing with! Try going out in that wearing vests and shorts just isn’t a vibe!

What’s your training schedule like?

At the moment I’m looking at 3-4 runs a week which involves easy pace runs at various distances and interval track sessions at Three Hills Sports Park which could range from short speed sessions to longer but at a higher paces. I’ll be squeezing in a long distance run on a Sunday which will gradually get further and faster as the weeks go on.

I’ll be utilising a coaching plan devised by Catherine O’Connor at TopCoach (topcoach.training) who helped me run my first one. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

What keeps you motivated?

For me it’s looking back at what I’ve achieved so far, even the small wins. People forget to appreciate themselves and I think that’s important because it’s so easy to take it for granted when you’ve got new and more challenging aspirations to come.

Fundraising for Rising Sun is also a massive drive for me as knowing how each step I take in training is going to support this amazing cause makes the pain hurt a little bit less!

What do you think the best thing will be about the race?

What I missed during my first marathon was experiencing it with my close friends and family who weren’t there to join me. Doing it a bit closer to home at Brighton this year means I’ll see them round the course and get to see their faces at the finish line.

I could not have completed it last time without the support from the crowds at Manchester so knowing the people of Brighton, I feel it’s going to be much the same. Having someone spur you on even when you feel at your weakest is one of the most powerful things you can do. It’s why running for Rising Sun makes so much sense to me as that is what everyone there does every single day.

What would you say to anybody thinking about taking on a challenge like this for Rising Sun?

Do it! I feel everyone has got their own marathon inside of them – and it doesn’t even need to be running.

Doing something you felt would never have been possible adds so much to your life in all different aspects. It makes the broken trainers, carb loading and sore toes worth it so why not give something a go. At one point I thought 5k was my marathon sized goal, now I’ll be looking at running eight of them all at once! If you want to follow my progress, you can check out my Instagram: @folkerunner.

If Thomas has inspired you to take on a challenge for Rising Sun, learn more about how you can get involved and raise vital funds for survivors of domestic abuse.