There’s no single path to the Start Line of the Vitality London 10,000.
For Katy Sit, it marked the beginning of her running journey, going from couch to 10K in her forties and overcoming self-doubt to discover a lasting passion. For Evie Elliot, it was a milestone in recovery after a hip stress fracture, symbolising resilience and a renewed understanding of her limits. Both runners reflect on how the event helped shape their relationship with running, proving that the 10K distance can be a powerful goal for newcomers and returners alike.
In 2023, Katy Sit was contemplating how to get active. She needed a starting point and, sat on the couch, thought upping her milage to target completing a 10K was a good place to start.
Katy (pictured in the header above) was over the moon when her training paid off and she went on to complete the 2023 Vitality London 10,000, stopping every 10 minutes to catch her breath, but loving every minute. Since then, her passion for running has only grown.
“The Vitality London 10,000 will always have a special place in my heart as it was my first-ever 10K race,” says Katy. “In essence, I went from my couch to 10K, and, despite my lack of fitness, I decided to sign up.
“Originally, I volunteered at parkrun, and I saw some inspirational people there who pushed me towards participating in an event myself. I like to throw myself in at the deep end!
“I was a late starter to running and only gave it a real go when I entered my forties. My mum has rheumatoid arthritis, and I want to make sure I am doing all I can to look after myself, as these things can creep up on you.
“When I started, I felt like all I saw was men, and that was intimidating. It feels, to me at least, as though men just seem to be fast and it is harder for a woman to match that as easily, so I had mental battles to overcome. Now I have a very healthy relationship with running, and I know I can simply enjoy it for what it brings me – a sense of satisfaction and progress.
“The Vitality London 10,000 is a great event to target progress. The flat course and the sights on the route meant I was inspired to sign up to other 10K races and I was back at the Vitality London 10,000 again in 2024 – and ran it without stopping!”
A 10K can be the perfect goal for newcomers to running or those who are making their way back from injury.
That was true for Evie Elliot, after she was diagnosed with a hip stress fracture, just months before the 2023 Vitality London 10,000. What would have been a hard enough challenge before the injury suddenly became even more of a tough ask.
“10K is a great distance – as the challenge is huge – but it offers more freedom and flexibility than a longer distance that requires more dedicated training,” says Evie. “I had always been a parkrunner, but I wanted to step up to a longer distance.
“I have not been a runner my whole life, and I was training without knowing the pain I was feeling in my hip was a stress fracture – I thought, ‘I’m not a serious enough runner to have one of those.’
“The injury rocked me, as I am an active person, and I was suddenly being told to monitor my runs minute-by-minute, so I didn’t overdo it.
“The 10K was always my limit and the 2023 Vitality London 10,000 was so important on my road back as the first race back after my injury. I can’t recommend it enough.
“It is a great way to experience the city and elements of the London Marathon route, while still having really supportive crowds. My boyfriend paced me around and I was elated to cross the Finish Line after months of being a sideline supporter on my crutches.
“My relationship with running has evolved now. I took it easy after the 10K and, while there is always another run to do, I better understand my limits. I know my mind better now and make sure I watch my sleep and eating habits when I am training. I can’t recommend running a 10K enough.”