Pregnant Runner Defies Expectations, Training for London Marathon at 30 Weeks
Samantha Donaldson, a 33-year-old mother, is boldly challenging societal norms by continuing to train for the upcoming London Marathon while 28 weeks pregnant with her second child. She is set to cross the finish line on April 26 at 30 weeks pregnant, advocating strongly that women should not be told to stop living their lives simply because they are expecting.
Inspiring Women to Be Their Strongest Selves During Pregnancy
Samantha Donaldson firmly believes that being pregnant does not mean you have to step back from your whole life. She emphasizes that women can be one of the strongest versions of themselves while pregnant, inspiring others to pursue their goals without hesitation. "I'm a big advocate for women not being told that we have to stop because we're pregnant," Samantha stated. "You can be one of the strongest versions of yourself while pregnant."
She discovered her pregnancy several months into her rigorous training for the 2026 London Marathon. Rather than giving up, Samantha, who has a three-year-old son named Fyn with her husband Campbell, 31, chose to persist after receiving the green light from her midwife. "I considered giving up my place and trying to enter again another time, but it's so hard to get a place, and I didn't want to give up the experience," she explained.
Medical Approval and Training Challenges
After consulting with her midwife, Samantha was assured that as long as there were no complications with her pregnancy, running the marathon was acceptable. "I didn't even know if it was possible to run a marathon pregnant, but I spoke to my midwife and she said as long as there's no complications with my pregnancy, she had no problems with me doing it," she recounted.
However, the training has not been without its difficulties. Samantha admitted to facing exhaustion and discomfort from her growing bump, which has made preparation challenging. "Obviously, it's been really tough, there's been times that I've been really tired, or my bump feels heavy and sore, but I've really enjoyed it," she shared. Her goal has shifted from achieving a target time to simply completing the marathon, as pregnancy has affected her speed and fitness levels.
A Different Pregnancy Experience
This pregnancy marks a stark contrast to her first, where Samantha spent nine months "sitting on the couch" and eating, which was uncharacteristic for her active lifestyle. Now, with the marathon training, she remains physically active and grateful for the motivation it provides. She follows a demanding program with her coach Mark from On Your Marks Coaching, though any initial time goals have been abandoned due to her condition.
"Normally, when you train, you get faster and fitter, but because I'm pregnant, throughout my training, I've been getting slower and more unfit," Samantha explained. "My goal is just to complete it."
Support System and Personal Motivation
Samantha's journey is bolstered by a strong support system. Her husband Campbell has taken on additional childcare duties for Fyn, ensuring she has ample time to prepare for her runs. "I feel so much better after a run, so it makes me a better mum," she remarked, highlighting the positive impact on her well-being.
Her determination is fueled by a desire to show that pregnancy should not hold women back. "Pregnancy shouldn't be something that holds us back. It should be something that empowers us. We're doing something amazing with our bodies already. So why not go for it, and grasp life with two hands," Samantha asserted.
Looking Ahead
Samantha, who is expecting a baby girl in July, plans to resume running as soon as medical professionals give her the all-clear post-delivery. She is participating in the marathon to raise funds for the MS Society, a cause close to her heart as both her mother-in-law and cousin live with the condition. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with proper medical guidance and personal resolve, women can continue to pursue their passions during pregnancy.
