I'm Running. I Promise.

Night: OWNED.

Done and dusted. Last night nearly 4000 women ran 10 kilometres through Victoria Park. Nice work, ladies, I’m happy and proud.

Nike threw down in style and hosted a brilliant event full of light, music and a LOT of orange. The Elle UK, Nike tent and the media tent were buzzing and it was so nice to see so many people that I’ve worked and trained with over the past three years. Yesterday was basically like a massive reunion for me.

The race, for me, went as expected. I ran so much more than I thought I could, but still slowed down to walk a bit and stretch out a horrible stitch I had between the third and sixth kilometre. Saima, Clara, Eman and I stuck together throughout much of the course while Bwalya skipped off into the distance - she was in her element! It was amazing to see Eman and Saima gain confidence and push through to pull off in the last quarter of the race. I think I’m best at supporting and I kept checking in to see how everyone was feeling. It was a pleasure to keep Clara going right to the end and we kept it chilled and finished off with a zippy sprint and a can of gin & tonic that Kirby handed over as she cheered us at the 100m mark. I don’t drink so my present was a sachet of ketchup (don’t ask, I didn’t). 

My favourite thing about the whole event was the fact that much of the course was lined by the hundreds and hundreds of boyfriends, husbands and kids who came to support the runners. It was so touching to witness! My boyfriend and his housemate (Eman’s boyfriend) moved around the course so we saw them cheering at four different points during the race. SO GOOD! Lots of high fives and “YOU’RE MY BEAUTIFUL RUNNING GODDESS, KEEP GOING!” shouts. Hilarious and so needed. You guys are the best!

Cheer Dem Crew nearly made me weep. Jesus, Run Dem love can be so emotional. Chevy was up ahead on the lookout for Run Dem girls and then we ran through a tunnel of Run Dem dudes, waving banners and shouting support. I love you guys! #MILE21 is unparalleled. Special shout to half of the Incline Accelerators shouting SARAH MEI! SARAH MEI! I will not repeat Dommy’s own brand of motivation, just know it was LOLZ.

The We Own The Night coloured lights and flashing bracelets were gorgeous and the motivational signs and banners designed by Nike for the event were great to see. The music was brilliant, although the quiet parts of the course took their toll. Shouts to Josey Rebelle, Martelo and Lynda Phoenix for making the run feel like the dancefloor.

Having seen the Nike, Elle, Exposure, AKQA and Slice teams working on this event the day I shot the Elle Edit collection in March, I’ve seen how much planning and hard graft has gone into this. So appreciated, guys!

The outcome was a fun race and evening event where thousands of women ran, raced and beat personal records. Most significantly, so many of these women were inspired or motivated to try something they hadn’t done before. It was nice to do something just for the ladies as so many sporting events in the UK are dominated by men, which is often quite intimidating for women who feel that they couldn’t possibly join in or compete. Bwalya, Saima, Clara and Eman are all new to running and committed to doing something entirely new over the past few weeks leading up to last night. I’m so, so proud of you girls. You SMASHED IT.

I’m really glad I was asked to do this event, it’s been brilliant the whole way through. I broke my own personal best last night for a 10k. Not quite a speedy 45 minutes (add a half hour to that), but the last time I ran that distance was with Run Dem at some point last summer when we ran to the Olympic Stadium and back. I’m proud of me. HIGH FIVE ME! WOOOH!

We owned it last night, ladies. The girl crews SMASHED IT. Well done us!