Brett’s 2026 Manchester Marathon Journey…

I started running after my father-in-law, Alan, passed away suddenly in 2019 from a blood clot on the brain. In the months that followed, I put all my focus into supporting his four daughters Sophie, Chloe, Natasha and Amy through everything they were dealing with. In doing that, I completely neglected my own mental wellbeing, which eventually caught up with me and led to me breaking down.

I began counselling shortly after, and one of the suggestions was to try an endurance sport like running as a way to manage things mentally. That same evening, I signed up for the Derby 10K 2022 to give myself something to aim for. Crossing that first finish line is something I’ll never forget, it was the moment running really clicked for me. From there, I spent the next few years building consistency, improving, and using running as both an outlet and a focus whilst raising money for numerous charities, which eventually led to completing the London Marathon in 2025.

This weekend I’ll be running my second marathon, this time in Manchester. Training has gone well overall, although it hasn’t been completely straightforward. After the London Marathon, I took a few months off and then picked up an injury in September which kept me out for a couple of months.

Getting back into training wasn’t easy, but using the Coopah training app again like I did in the build-up to London helped me rebuild both my fitness and confidence. It’s given me the structure I needed to get back to where I want to be going into Manchester.

Beyond this weekend, I’m also taking on the London Marathon MyWay the following weekend, running from Derby to Nottingham and back which will be another challenge in itself.

In 2026, I’m taking on multiple runs in support of Headway Derby. Their work has had a direct impact on someone close to me, helping my friend Christine Charles after she suffered multiple brain tumours. The support they’ve provided has helped her rebuild her confidence and adapt to life again.

I’m running to help ensure that Headway Derby can continue to support people like Christine giving them the chance to rebuild, recover, and learn how to live again.

You can donate to Brett’s fundraiser for Headway Derby by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/brett-granger-headway-derby?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL