Alison Biggs, of Riding Mill, did not let a knee injury stop her from completing the 127th Boston Marathon in 4 hours and 27 minutes.
Only starting to run at the age of 53, Alison was bit by the bug and completed the Race for Life for her first marathon.
She then ran Great North Run a few times before joining her local running group, the Stocksfield Striders, to help with her training.
"It was because of the club that I managed to get a place to run my first marathon which was in London in 2016," Alison said.
"I then ran in the York marathon followed by a one in Manchester, where I achieved a good age time - which allowed me to apply for London.
"I then got a place for London and after Covid, I ran the marathon in 2021, which I completed in 3 hours and 58 minutes, a qualifying time for Boston 2023.
"Boston is the crowning glory for any marathon runner and I was overjoyed to be accepted.
"Unfortunately, I was plagued with injuries for six months, so I was unable to train as I would have liked but with hard work and determination, in three months I managed to train to a standard that I was happy with.
"Of course, overtraining is never a good thing, so three weeks before the marathon I couldn’t run due to a knee injury.
"This really caused me a lot of stress and lack of sleep as everything was booked, flights, hotels etc.
"So basically, I rocked up to the start line knee taped up and a knee brace on top of my leggings.
"It wasn’t the best marathon I have ever ran and my legs buckled at the finish line.
"My body was totally exhausted, and I needed to be wheeled off the finish line but once I had regained my composure I was absolutely buzzing.
"I was so happy with my time of 4.27 hours.
"Boston gave me one of the toughest and most challenging experiences of my life, the course was undulating and hilly.
"But I honestly feel so privileged that I was able to participate, and even though I couldn’t walk properly for 3 days.
"However, the experience and my medal more than make up for it.
"I really was going to make this my last marathon but I’m now thinking another London marathon would be something to look forward to.
"I will be 64 by then so I guess the body is more prone to injuries, but if I get a place then yes, I will be at that start line next April."
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