A research radiographer at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), who recently finished fourth in the main women’s race at the London Marathon, has been selected to represent England.

Hayley Carruthers will compete internationally for the first time at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October, as one of four Team England athletes.

The Toronto Marathon will be Hayley’s third ever marathon, following on from Manchester in 2017 and the London Marathon earlier this year, which Hayley completed in a time of 2:47:47.

Hayley, who started running about two years ago and has been racing competitively for 12 months, has improved her times across all distances, including reducing her 10k time from 37:14 to 34:05.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to represent England in Toronto,” said Hayley.

“I speak to my coach Gary Warhurst every day, which has been really helpful for training and nutrition.

“I’ll be starting marathon training again in a couple of weeks, and I’m looking forward to seeing how well I can do on the international stage.

“It would be fantastic if I can continue to represent England at different distances too, perhaps even at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham!” 

Gary is linked to Rotherham Harriers, who Hayley competes for at races, and has also worked with other England athletes.

Hayley, who lives in Aldridge, has worked in the radiotherapy research team, who are based in the Heritage Building, since 2016.

“I love working in research, as it means I’m involved throughout a patient’s journey. I see patients before, during and after their radiotherapy,” Hayley explains. 

“We’re trying to understand how cancer works, rather than just treating it.

“The job can sometimes be mentally draining, but I find that going for a run always makes the day better.

“Running just feels so natural to me, and I hope I can always enjoy it as much as I do now!

“It’s very exciting to know I’ll be running for England, but it does feel like I’m living a double life sometimes.”

Catharine Prest, Senior Research Sister, said: “The Cancer Research Team was delighted to hear Hayley has been chosen to compete for England.

“Hayley is a popular member of the team and an incredibly hard working, focussed individual and that clearly translates to her passion in running. Good luck Hayley!”