Hannah Murton

Name & Where You’re From
Hannah Murton, originally from Derby but I’ve been in Sheffield for over 20 years now

How did you first get into running?
Years ago I lived on the Sheffield Half Marathon route, and thought to myself that one day I’d love to give it a go, but never actually got round to signing up. Eventually in 2016, I signed up to parkrun, and managed to go a few times but didn’t keep up with parkrun or running. However I did eventually sign up for the Sheffield Half, and completed it for the first time in 2018, and I haven't looked back since. Growing up with asthma, and as someone who had previously shown no interest in any form of exercise, I surprised myself that I’d even shown an interest in signing up for a half marathon, never mind completing one. 

Has your motivation for running changed over time?
I first signed up for the Sheffield Half Marathon just to see if I could complete it, and the sense of achievement I felt after doing so spurred me on to keep running. That feeling has continued, and I love challenging myself to see what I can accomplish, whether it’s a new time goal over a distance, or seeing how far I can run in an ultramarathon. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of this coaching group?
It’s been so great getting support from everyone when doing a race; and whether you achieve your goal or not, everyone celebrates you, even if it’s for the simple fact that you had a goal, worked towards it, and gave it your all on the day. 

How has being a Green Peaks Athlete benefited your training?
The structure has given me a lot more focus; I hadn’t trained for a race with a time-goal in mind for a couple of years when I first signed up, so it’s been really great to have a proper training plan to follow again. I often find it quite easy to find an excuse to not go out for a run, due to it being cold, dark, wet, I’m tired, etc. You name it, I’ve used it as an excuse. But knowing I have a run to tick off on the plan means I’m much more likely to get out of the door.  

Favourite race or running event you’ve done so far?
Finishing my first 100-mile event, the South Downs Way 100 in 2025 has got to be up there. I’d attempted another 100-miler the summer before, but had pulled out at the halfway point, so to finally cross that finish line felt really special.

On the road, Valencia Marathon has got to take some beating. The support was absolutely phenomenal the entire way round the course, I don’t think there was one point for the whole 26 miles where there weren't people cheering or bands playing music to help keep you going when it got tough. The final mile especially was about 10 people deep and a really narrow corridor of people cheering so loudly you couldn’t hear anything else.

Recent achievement you’re proud of
Other than completing the SDW100, one of my proudest achievements is completing the Valencia Marathon in 3h 42m, a time that I thought would never be achievable for me. I also recently reduced my 5k time to 22m 02s which I am incredibly proud of as someone whose first parkrun finishing time was over 34 minutes! 

What’s your go-to running playlist or podcast?
When I’m doing a tempo session I love to get a drum & bass playlist on, as the high tempo really helps to keep me motivated to run faster, as well as getting me in the headspace that it’s time to work hard. For longer runs, I love a good podcast, especially the Elis James & John Robins show, or my 90s playlist! 

What’s your dream race or bucket-list running goal?
I would love to do the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc one day, but that one might remain just that, a dream, as it’s pretty difficult to get into!

The Spine would also be another dream race, but maybe the summer version as it’s slightly less brutal without the snow and ice that a January race brings.

And finally, the iconic Comrades marathon in South Africa would be absolutely epic. Can you tell I like the longer distances?!

Favourite post-run treat or recovery ritual?
I do love catching up with friends over a post-parkrun coffee and cake. After a long run, nothing beats having a nap on the sofa. 

One piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out
You don’t need to spend a fortune on the latest, most fashionable running gear. It’ll only get sweaty anyway! A cheap moisture-wicking top and pair of shorts will be more than enough. The only thing that’s worth spending a little more on is the thing between you and the ground, your socks and your shoes. They’re what are going to take the most impact when you run so it’s worth spending that little bit extra on them. 

I’d also say it’s absolutely ok to have walking breaks when you first start out. Running is hard! And it’s not a failure if you need to use a run-walk strategy while your body gets used to it.