The Student Medics Running the Torbay Half Marathon

The end of this month marks the return of the Torbay half marathon, an event that invites entrants to tackle the picturesque coastline route beginning near Paignton Pier.

Amongst these competitors are a handful of medical students from the University of Plymouth who regularly enjoy running alongside studying and have competed in similar endurance events in the past.

This long-distance event requires many hours of training to build up the stamina required to complete the 13.1-mile course. For some, including third-year medical student Faraday Saxton, this commitment is about more than just physical fitness. It has become a way to maintain a balanced lifestyle whilst studying at university.

“I’ve really enjoyed it for the personal challenge,” Faraday explained, “but I also enjoy running because it gets me out of the house and it’s something that clears my mind.

“I like to have an activity to work towards,” said another medical student runner Lucy Counsel, “I find it really helps with my mental wellbeing.”

Long-distance running has become increasingly popular in recent times. A world-record breaking 840,318 people entered the ballot to run the 2025 London marathon, with the previous record only being set two years prior.

This popularity has been especially noticeable with those working or studying in the healthcare sector. Social media accounts of medical students and qualified clinicians who show how they incorporate running into their busy schedules have garnered millions of followers.

Joshua Reddy, another medic at Plymouth University and avid long-distance runner, suggested a reason why running has become so popular amongst this demographic. Reddy argues that running is an accessible way of improving mental wellbeing and allows medical students to engage in hobbies outside of their otherwise busy degrees.

“Training for half-marathons is particularly manageable alongside studying, as the training load can fit comfortably into the busy schedules of healthcare students,” he said. “It’s easy to develop a tunnel vision mindset when immersed in the demands of medical school, but having a structured training plan provides an alternative focus… helping achieve a more balanced lifestyle.”

Aside from being a chance to achieve an impressive goal, events like these are also great opportunities to raise money for important causes. Event organisers for the Torbay half marathon predict that over half of runners will be competing for charity.

It also brings together many members of the community who each take on important roles in the event ranging from race marshals, volunteers and spectators cheering the runners on.

For those thinking about entering a similar event, Reddy appreciates that the first step is always the hardest.

“But it’s all about building small habits and taking it one step at a time,” he continued, “consider this your sign to enter that event you’ve been thinking about!”

The Torbay Half Marathon starts from 9am on Sunday, September 29 and will follow the traditional route around Paignton Green, across to the Torquay Seafront and back again.