Simon Roberts never saw himself as a runner. In fact, a few years ago, he would have laughed if you’d told him that it would become one of the most important things in his life.
But as he took his first tentative steps in the running world, he quickly realised it would become more than just exercise. What began as a simple fitness goal quickly evolved into a life-changing journey of self-discovery, creativity, and community.
Now a familiar face at events as the ‘running photographer’, Simon captures the spirit of events from within the pack. You can see some of his photos from the 2025 Brighton Marathon below and on Instagram.
Running has not only strengthened his body and mind but also opened doors to new friendships and unexpected career opportunities. His story is a powerful reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to the most rewarding paths.
The realisation that Simon could push himself further than he thought was transformative.
He started running as a way to get fit. It wasn’t about the time or covering the longest distances, it was about challenging himself, getting comfortable with discomfort, and discovering what he was capable of.
“I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stick with it,” Simon says, reflecting on one of his first runs. “But once I got going, something clicked, and I started to enjoy it. It wasn’t just about getting fit anymore.”
“I never imagined running would become such an important part of my life, but I’m so glad I gave it a try.”
Simon noticed how much stronger his body became; not just in terms of fitness, but in both resilience and endurance.
Running is known for boosting cardiovascular health, increasing stamina, and improving overall muscle tone. But for Simon, it’s the mental health benefits that have had the biggest impact.
“Running has taught me a lot about perseverance,” he says. “There are days when it feels hard, but knowing I can keep going gives me confidence that I can handle challenges outside of running too.”
Simon soon found that the mental clarity he gained from running also opened up new creative pathways. As his stamina increased, so did his ability to approach problems with a fresh perspective.
“Running gives me time to think,” Simon explains. “My mind feels clearer after a run, and I find myself coming up with ideas or solutions to problems I hadn’t even been aware of before.”
The time spent moving your body can give your brain the freedom to wander, making space for creativity and problem-solving in ways that are hard to achieve when you’re simply sitting at a desk.
Simon didn’t just find fulfilment in running; he found a community.
Through running clubs and events, he met like-minded individuals who were pushing themselves in similar ways.
“Running has brought so many amazing people into my life,” Simon shares. “It’s funny, because running is something you do on your own, but it’s also brought me closer to people who share that same passion. It’s given me a whole new social circle.”
If you’re thinking of starting something new, like running, don’t forget that the connections you make can be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
In Simon’s case, what started as a hobby has become a new and exciting career path.
He soon realised that the skills he was developing as a runner - discipline, consistency, and the ability to push through challenges - translated to his work as well. After just two years, he’s become a popular feature at the TCS London Marathon and other events, combining his love for running with his passion for capturing the energy of the event.
“It’s amazing how running has unlocked new doors for me,” Simon says. “I never thought a simple hobby would lead to new job opportunities, but here I am, working in ways I never imagined.”
The beauty of trying something new is that it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be a step outside your comfort zone. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most rewarding. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just take that leap and see where it takes you.