Yorkshire Marathon Legend: Meet Jonathan Fallas

Jonathan Fallas has run the Yorkshire Marathon for 11 consecutive years, earning his place as another official Yorkshire Marathon Legend.

With this being his 12^th year running, Jonathan knows a thing or two about race days. To feel inspired and ease those race day nerves, read on to learn more about another one of our Yorkshire Marathon Legends from our Q&A.

When did you start running?

“I started running with a group of rugby mates when we did the Leeds 1/2 Marathon in 2003 for charity in support of a friend’s mother, who had cancer at the time. I got into the longer distance stuff from there and did the Leeds 1/2 almost every year before going to Marathon distance in 2012”.

What made you sign up for the first Yorkshire Marathon?

“I had already done Manchester and Chester marathons and when Yorkshire Marathon came up, it seemed a no-brainer as a proud Yorkshireman.  I signed up with a friend who was doing his 1st marathon. Although I nearly didn't make the start line as earlier in the year, I had major surgery to remove part of a disc in my lower back and had 6 months of rehab, but thanks to the wonderful work of my physio, I got fit enough to make the start line”.

What do you do the day before a marathon?

“As little as possible. Finishing touches to kit and make sure plenty of clean warm clothes for after the race and eat loads of carbs”.

What would be your piece of advice for first time marathon runners?

“It’s an old one but "Don't do anything new on race day". Be that kit, nutrition, pre-race food or pace. Stick to what you've done in training, your brain will tell you silly stuff on race day morning......don't listen to it “.

What do you treat yourself with after a race?

“Straight after the race I like to just sit for a bit have an Erdinger (of course), relax and reflect back on what an awesome achievement that was. I am never that hungry straight after a run, but after a few hours, I eat all the food”.

How do you fuel yourself during a race?

“I always have Porridge and coffee for breakfast a banana on the way to the event location. During the event I use the wonderful feed stations to fuel with water and High 5 as and when available.... never miss an opportunity to take on board some fuel”.

What’s your must have running song?

“I am not a fan of listening to music when running as it usually makes me run too quickly!!! I do like Podcasts or just take in the sounds around me especially if I am running off road”.

How does running add to your day-to-day life?

“I know it might sound a bit of a cliché, but it does wonders for my mental health. Sometimes you just don't want to go out, and it’s hard to get out the door, but I cannot think of a time I have ever regretted or felt worse mentally or physically after a run”.

What’s your favourite Yorkshire Marathon memory?

“So many, but in 2018, I completed it dressed as a Nun when raising funds for Brain Research  UK after a friend had died the previous year. The conditions were horrendous. It was cold, poured with rain, and the outfit just got heavier and heavier. It was one of my slower marathons, one of my hardest marathons, but High 5ing the Vicar dressed as a Nun, and the crowd support was amazing. At the time definitely wasn't my favourite memory, but looking back, it was amazing and really stands out as something I will never forget for all the right reasons”.