BGS teacher secures spot in world marathon championships, driven by family passion for running
CHEMISTRY teacher Sarah Flaherty has earned a coveted spot in the 2025 world marathon championships event in New York.
The Head of Year 12 at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) and 50-year-old mum-of-two has quickly made a name for herself in competitive running. Since taking up the sport, she has completed the London Marathon three times and, most recently, clocked an impressive 2:54:50 at the Berlin Marathon, finishing 5th in her age category.
Her performance earned her a place in the fifth annual AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship, set within the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon next November. Over 1,800 of the world’s top age-group competitors will come together for the event, and Sarah will compete against the very best in her category.
She said: “I love the challenge running presents, both mentally and physically. It’s a personal journey, and every race is an opportunity to push my limits and grow stronger. What I enjoy most is the sense of accomplishment when I cross the finish line, knowing that all my training and hard work have paid off.”
Sarah’s running journey began with her children, Alex and Rebecca, who were both keen runners at BGS. Inspired by the success of fellow alum Emile Cairess, the second-fastest British marathon runner of all time, the family joined his local running club, Bingley Harriers, and quickly developed a shared passion for the sport.
Rebecca, Sarah’s daughter, a former Head Girl at BGS and now a student at Oxford, is also an accomplished Team GB runner. She clinched gold at the 2023 Under-20 World Mountain Running Championships.
“Usually, Rebecca is in the limelight,” admitted Sarah. “But it’s been amazing to achieve success of my own in running, and hearing people cheer me on, even if it’s as ‘Rebecca’s mum,’ is such a special feeling!”
Sarah’s dedication to running involves a rigorous training schedule, averaging five runs a week, including a long 12-mile weekend run. She is currently training for the TCS London Marathon in April.
“I love the challenge running presents, both mentally and physically. It’s a personal journey, and every race is an opportunity to push my limits and grow stronger.”
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