[6th Feb 2025] In January 2025, the MumsAid team were delighted to meet John, an unexpected but hugely appreciated MumsAid supporter. Through a customary search for MumsAid on JustGiving, Fundraising Manager Rachael was delighted to come across John’s JustGiving page, beginning the team’s search for this mystery hero. We finally tracked him down and set about getting to know him, with this lovely Q&A! John will run the Brighton Half Marathon in aid of MumsAid on March 2nd, 2025.
Tell us a little about you
My name is John Burke, I am 27 years old and I am currently Vice President at a Public Relations agency. I originally lived in Harrow, however moved to Brighton in 2015 to complete a history degree at the University of Sussex. The seaside city took my heart, and I have not been able to leave since.
I met my partner at university whilst working at the student bar and we have been living in a town just outside Brighton called Haywards Heath for four years now and recently got married last Summer.
Outside of running, I have a keen eye for football, although I am not as good at playing it as I am watching! I also love to read when I can.
How long have you been a runner and what runs have you done?
I started running during the first lockdown in 2020. Before then, running was not something I enjoyed, and whenever I went on a treadmill at the gym I used to dread it. But when the only option of time outside was either a walk or a run, I thought I would give it another go.
I think I got lucky that the weather was so good during the lockdown period because it made the running experience much more pleasurable. I began with a couch to 5k, and the more I did it the more I began to enjoy it – putting on music or a podcast and having 30 minutes to myself felt like a luxury.
By the summer of 2020, I was regularly doing 5k runs, and it was really helping me both mentally and physically. Now, I don’t see running as a chore, but something I look forward to at the end of my working day.
After 2/3 years I wanted to challenge myself more, so I signed up to do my first half-marathon in 2024. It was a very proud moment for me, as four years prior I couldn’t imagine myself running to catch a train. I decided to sign up again in 2025, only this time I want to try and use it as a stepping stone for a full marathon in 2026.
What has been your best running experience?
In terms of achievement, it would have to be my first half-marathon last year. I was nervous on the morning of the event because I was scared of not being able to complete it and letting people down. However, the whole experience was amazing, seeing so many strangers on the sidewalk cheering you on made it feel easy – the two hours it took to complete felt like two minutes. I then enjoyed a lovely lunch with family and friends who had come down to support me and felt a real sense of accomplishment.
In terms of actual running experience, I’d say my best run was down Brighton seaside. I went down after work when the sun was setting, and it was so scenic it made me want to continue running at that time every chance I got.
How is training going and do you have any top training tips?
It has been an interesting approach this year compared to last. Training last year felt much more structured, as it was my first experience doing the half-marathon and I wanted to ensure I was taking it slowly and not overdoing myself.
This year, I am still regularly going for 5ks midweek, and doing a long run on the weekend, but I am more relaxed with my approach.
In terms of tips, my main one would be not to overwork yourself in the weeks before the run. You do not want to risk injury and strain your legs before the big day. Take it slowly and at your own pace.
I find podcasts much better to listen to than music, as you can get lost in the conversation and it makes the time fly by.
For anyone doing a planned run, I’d also recommend testing out the route before doing it on the day – it gives you a chance to get a feel of the ground and the incline/decline levels, so you know what you need to prepare/train for.
What is your run day routine?
My wife surprised me with a load of family and friends last year which was brilliant, however, for this year I’ve said to them they don’t need to make the trip down if they don’t have time to do so! I have a couple of friends who will be in attendance which will be nice, as we can go to lunch afterwards.
It is an early start, with the half-marathon beginning at 9:30, so there is not much of a routine available! I will be getting up at around 7 am and having breakfast to help fuel my energy – eggs on toast and a banana. I’ll then make my way into the city centre and plan a meeting point with my friends before making my way to the start line.
What made You choose to fundraise for MumsAid?
I have several friends, colleagues and family members who have recently welcomed a newborn into the world and am so excited to become an uncle for the first time this year, with my sister and brother-in-law expecting.
All of those close to me have had the amazing support of loved ones whilst pregnant and during the first few months of motherhood, and I want to ensure this same support is provided to mothers up and down the country.
A huge thanks to John for this lovely interview and more importantly, for his incredible fundraising support, which will support mums at the most challenging time of life. Good luck on the day and for uncle-hood!
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