Mhairi Maclennan, the changemaker, Scottish athlete and London Marathon 2024 winner, shares her "why?", the biggest challenges she faces as a professional athlete and why sport is such a incredible vehicle for change.
Why do you run?
I run because it gives me a sense of freedom and accomplishment. It's a way to challenge myself, both physically and mentally, and it brings a lot of joy and fulfillment to my life. I came for the challenge but I've stayed for the people - my friends and fellow competitors are some of the best people around.
How did you get into running?
I got into running when I was in primary school. I loved being able to beat the boys at something and it was the first sport I did that wasn't "for girls" - I'd previously done dancing, gymnastics and hockey - and running in comparison felt so freeing, being able to beat the boys and being on an equal footing (although this was actually short lived because of puberty!). I also didn't really get the memo in high school that you're not supposed to be yourself and so the running club was sort of a safe haven where I felt there was less judgement and it was more about just being active.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a professional athlete?
The biggest challenge for me is balancing training with work, as I work full time, and then on top of that trying to carve out time for recovery, avoiding injuries and illness, and managing the mental pressure of competition. I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform and adding in wanting to do well for my sponsors and the work that my coach and I have put in, is something I work on a lot. Knowing how to navigate moments where you feel less motivated and as I get older, prioritising happiness and joy over and above sacrifice so, ensuring I have the right support system around me are also crucial. It can be financially challenging, not being paid monthly and not necessarily having a predictable income annually, trying to weigh up how much effort you put into the sport versus another career path when you have bills to pay is not always easy.
What are the challenges female athletes face?
Female athletes often face challenges such as inequality in pay, less media coverage, and sometimes less access to resources compared to their male counterparts. Far too often, there are societal issues that rear their ugly head in sports environments like gender-based violence and harassment which sport is not set up to manage in the best way which is a real problem for female athletes in particular. I think too often, women's sport is seen as a lesser version of men's sports, and it's just so far from the truth. Often, when women play and compete, it's like watching a different thing altogether and we need to recognise that.
What do you think would encourage more women and girls to run?
Creating a supportive, safe and inclusive environment is key. This includes having visible role models, providing access to resources and training, and promoting the benefits of running for physical and mental health.
You've had an impressive string of accomplishments in the last few years alone, was one your favourite?
One of my favorite accomplishments was winning the London Marathon [British and Scottish titles]. It was a culmination of hard work and dedication, and it felt incredibly rewarding to see my efforts pay off.
Was your London Marathon debut what you expected?
My London Marathon debut was an incredible experience. It was challenging, as marathons always are, but the support from the crowds and the sense of achievement when I crossed the finish line made it unforgettable.
Any tips for staying motivated?
Setting clear goals, maintaining a consistent routine, and reminding yourself why you started in the first place can help with motivation. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community also makes a huge difference. You really have to be convinced by your 'why' - and it's okay to sometimes lose sight of that 'why', that often means you maybe need a break mentally and/or physically - and that's okay too!
What's special about sport being such an incredible vehicle for change? Sport has the power to unite people from all walks of life. It can break down barriers, promote equality, and can be a powerful platform for advocating social change. It inspires and brings communities together.
What running does for you in three words?
Freedom, Strength, Community
Anything else you'd like to share that's important?
I believe it's essential to speak out about the issues that matter, whether it's promoting mental health, advocating for athlete safety, or pushing for equality in sports. We all have a role to play in making the sporting world a better place.
You can follow Mhairi on instagram here and support her incredible work over at Kyniska Advocacy, a survivor-led and athlete-run organisation working with UK sporting communities to influence change in welfare and wellbeing policies for women athletes, here: https://www.kyniskaadvocacy.com
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