Melinda Marchal – GB Ultras Chester 50

Melinda is a busy working mum of three young children. Although sporty as a child, she admits that career and motherhood meant that hobbies and sport fell by the wayside. Then in 2018, after baby number three, she started Couch to 5k and fell in love with running.

“I realised that focusing on the children for so many years had caused me to lose part of my identity. So, quite by accident, running quickly filled that gap in my life and it became my hobby, my passion and my ‘me time’ all in one go.”

She had worked up to half marathon distance and set her sights on longer trail events when an unfortunate accident left her with a broken back.

Accident And Recovery

“It was a silly snowboarding fall that ended up with a nasty landing, resulting in three fractures in my back. Doctor’s orders were strictly no running, limited movement, and try not to pick up the kids too much!”