As a writer in the running world, it’s common to come across mind-bogglingly impressive feats from runners around the globe. Even so, every once in a while a story stands out from the rest, a tale so full of inspiration it compels you to share it with others. This week, such a story belongs to Sophie Grace Holmes, an incredible woman who’s allowed me the honour of sharing her story with you.

Sophie’s on a mission to complete 36 marathons in 36 days. At the time of writing, she’s just over three weeks into her challenge having successfully completed a staggering 24 marathons in a row. Let’s be honest, most of us would be pretty satisfied with completing 36 (or even 24) marathons in a lifetime, let alone knocking them out one after another. But for Sophie, this challenge represents more than many of us can comprehend.

Sophie was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening inherited disorder that causes damage to the lungs, digestive system, pancreas, and other organs. Specifically, it affects cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive fluids which are typically characterised as being thin and slippery. In those with Cystic Fibrosis, however, secretions are thick and sticky, leading to blocked tubes, ducts and passageways. Consequently, those with Cystic Fibrosis often experience severe respiratory infections.

Sophie received her diagnosis at just four months old where she and her family were told that Sophie was unlikely to see her teens. But Sophie made it her mission to defy the odds and show the world, as she writes on her coaching website, “what is possible with a fit and healthy mind and body.” To test her own limits and challenge the expectations associated with Cystic Fibrosis, Sophie decided to embark on a series of mentally and physically gruelling challenges.

One such challenge was to run 30 marathons in 30 days to celebrate turning 30, a milestone previously considered improbable. Unfortunately, Sophie’s plans were derailed by COVID-19. But that, of course, didn’t deter her. Instead, she upped the ante, challenging herself to run 36 marathons in 36 days. Sophie’s raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust – a UK charity that funds research to treat and cure Cystic Fibrosis and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for those living with the disorder.

I’ll hopefully be chatting with Sophie once she’s completed and recovered from the challenge. In the meantime, I wanted to shed some light on her incredible story and highly recommend following Sophie’s progress on Instagram. Moreover, if you’ve been inspired by her and are in a position to do so, please consider sponsoring her by clicking here. She’s already raised over £10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, but we think she and the charity deserve even more!