Last year’s Yorkshire Marathon saw athletes come from as far as Kenya and this year’s race is already attracting a global audience. Hannah Bryan spoke to Rachael Harrison about why she’s travelling more than 3,000 miles to take part.

THE GRASS was still slightly damp, the remnants of the morning dew glistening against the light. She eyed her competitors, other young girls all here for one thing, to represent their area and to run.

The whistle went and they were off, parents and friends cheering on the sidelines.

Rachael Harrison has come a long way since representing Millthorpe School at cross country level.

Having completed the Dubai Creek Striders Half-Marathon in 2012, after moving there the previous year, and the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon last year in an impressive four hours and eight minutes, it’s a far cry from her school running days.

Never did she think she would be taking on a gruelling 26.2 miles on home turf, or training for it in scorching temperatures of over 50 Celsius where the concrete feels like it’s melting and sunglasses become a running essential.

“The plan is to at least try to run my shorter training runs outside,” said Rachael.

“But a lot of the longer runs will have to be done on the treadmill, which is going to be incredibly boring.”

Swapping the iconic Dubai Creek for the streets of Stamford Bridge, former teacher Rachael said that a change of scene will be welcomed as she looks forward to running in her home town once again.

“I’m looking forward to running through the city centre and Stamford Bridge as I have a host of childhood memories from these parts of the course,” she said.

“I’m really excited about running a marathon on home soil. As well as running past all the beautiful historical landmarks that I miss when in Dubai, it will also give my family a chance to come and support me.”

Having moved from Egypt to Dubai in 2011 after two years working as a teacher, Rachael had to adapt to the scorching heat quickly and began running again after joining a Fitness First gym.

Several shorter races, a half-marathon and a marathon later, Rachael decided that she wanted to return home to run in the second Yorkshire marathon, having missed out on a place last year.

Now with an extensive training regime ahead of her in the run up to the marathon on Sunday, October 12, Rachael said that she’s well aware of how tough her training will be in the searing temperatures.

She said: “My mum, dad and sister still live in Woodthorpe, where I grew up, and don’t usually see me run as most of my events are in Dubai.

“It looks like it’s going to be a special day for all of us and having them to cheer me on will keep me motivated when the going gets tough.”

The 31-year-old, who studied history at York University after completing her A-Levels at York College, is hoping to complete the 26.2mile route in less than four hours, with the buzz of being on her home turf with her family supporting her spurring her on for that sprint finish.

“My performance in the race is important to me but in this instance the race will not be all about times and targets. It’s about getting out there, enjoying the city and feeling proud of my roots.

“York is still in my heart and I am very proud to be from such a wonderful city.”

Yes, it’s a far cry from her school running days, but one thing remains the same, she’ll have family and friends cheering her on.

To follow Rachael’s training visit www.adventuresandinspiration.com.