Superstar marathon runner Hayley inspires the nation

Hayley Carruthers has inspired a nation thanks to her heroics in the Virgin Money London Marathon this weekend. Hayley works at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as a Research Radiographer, and took up running in her spare time just three years ago.

This weekend, Hayley lined up with the other elite women runners to take on the iconic 26.2 mile course through the capital. Two and a half hours later, Hayley was just about to cross the finish line when she collapsed.

Hayley crossing the finish line, a moment that has been seen by thousands worldwide.

“I can’t remember that much about it.” she said, but she was determined to get across the line. In a moment of sporting triumph which has now been seen by tens of thousands of people across the world, Hayley crawled over the finish line to secure her spot as the eighteenth fastest woman, smashing her own personal best by three minutes.

Hayley received swift medical attention, and was soon able to celebrate her incredible achievement with her friends and family who were there to watch her. Less than 24 hours after her incredible feats, Hayley was back to work at QEHB, tweeting: “Don’t worry guys I’m a’ok! Back to reality… #doublelife”

Hayley was back at work this morning, tweeting a picture in her uniform.

Hayley’s triumph has turned into an iconic moment of sporting bravery, and has been broadcast to viewers across the world.

Speaking of the impact that it’s had, Hayley said: “It’s been slightly strange to say the least, I feel like a celebrity! It’s amazing that my video has been seen by so many people across the world.”

Despite only taking up running three years ago, Hayley has set a personal best that puts her near to the qualifying time for the Olympics. She said: “I am aiming to get to 2:29 which is the Olympic qualifying time. I thought I may be able to do it this weekend, but sadly not! It was the toughest race of my life without doubt. By the end I was counting off lampposts and thinking of my family to get round!”

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising for QEHB Charity, said: “Hayley’s incredible story has inspired us all. To have got over the line in the way that she did was nothing short of amazing and it’s wonderful that her story is now going out across the world. She’s a credit to our hospital and I look forward to following her running career in the future.”

If Hayley has inspired you to get running, then why not sign up for the SimplyHealth Great Birmingham Run, which takes place on 13 October? Find out more about how you can sign up here.