Jodie Richards half marathon story

Local runner Jodie Richards shares the emotional story behind her decision to take on the North Devon Marathon this Sunday, running in memory of her dad, and to support North Devon Hospice.

In just a few days, I’ll be standing on the start line of the North Devon Half Marathon something I’ve spent the last four months training for. It still feels a bit surreal to say that out loud, but here we are.

Since moving back home in 2019, the idea of doing this race has 
always sat quietly at the back of my mind. It’s known for being a brutal course, but something about it kept pulling at me. Life with young children didn’t exactly lend itself to half marathon prep and truthfully, the drive wasn’t quite there. But this year, everything lined up. The time felt right, and more importantly, I felt ready.

What gave me the final push wasn’t fitness or opportunity; it was something far more personal. I’m running this race for my dad, Jon Richards. In 2021, North Devon Hospice cared for him in his final days. They offered comfort and support when it really mattered. They were there not just for him, but for all my family, offering reassurance, compassion, and calm in the middle of chaos. Their care gave us peace when we needed it most, and I’ll never forget that.

So, when I finally committed to the half marathon, it wasn’t just about ticking off a goal. It was about doing something meaningful in his memory. Running for the hospice that helped us in our darkest days felt like the most fitting tribute I could give.

My dad wasn’t a runner, but he was one of the strongest people I knew, physically and mentally. He and my mum owned and ran Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park, and his whole life was built on hard work. That quiet grit and resilience shaped who I am. He wasn’t the emotional type, but I know he’d be quietly proud and probably having a chuckle at the thought of me voluntarily running 21 kilometres.

My kids have also been a huge part of this journey. I want them to see that you don’t have to give up on big goals just because life is busy. That consistency matters more than motivation. That even when things get tough, you can still push through and finish what you started.

Training has had its tough days, but I’ve grown to love the long runs. They’ve given me space to think, to breathe, to reset. In a house full of noise and activity, that quiet time has been surprisingly invaluable.

As for race day? I’m nervous. I’m excited. But mostly, I’m ready. What I’d say I’m most looking forward to is the finish line, not just for the medal, but for what it represents. 

What’s next? It’s straight back to real life, walking home with the kids and heading off to a swimming gala.

Life as usual. But I’ll keep running.