Flying over the fells and splashing through streams, Martha May Tibbott has proven to be an unstoppable force in the world of running, and she doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.

Locals outside of the running community may even recognise Martha’s name, having been noticed after smashing both the Millbrook Monster and Mossley 10k course record.

But it’s not only running that she excels in, as a keen cyclist, Martha often competes in cycling and duathlon competition.

Her athleticism has been highly regarded around Tameside and beyond for some time, with so many following her sporting journey.

Looking back to her roots, Martha was born into a sporty family who had links to farming. She began cycling as a way to bond with her brother who lived out of the area and picked up running along the way.

“When I started doing some races, I realised just how much I loved competing and I could see myself getting fitter.

“With the increase in fitness came my running. My sister and I joined the local running club, and I loved that sport just as much,” she said.

Martha sees exercise as a way to separate from working and family life, enjoying the beautiful freedom of escaping for a run.

She can often be spotted soaring across the hills, a pastime that reminds her very much of her childhood.

“When I was a child, we had a sheep farm, and my dad would often make us chase the sheep to round them up on the moors.

“I remember running through the streams and over the hills and I absolutely loved doing that.

“So, I think that’s why I love fell running so much. It reminds me of those happy times, and I love exploring the hills now,” Martha said.

An attractive aspect of fell running for Martha is the constantly changing scenery. Feeling close to nature and in her own space is her idea of a perfect day.

A duathlon athlete, Martha twins her running and cycling talents to shine in the combined event.

“I think duathlons are my favourite races to do, in my most recent race I managed to qualify for the European Championships, which is in Ibiza in 2023.

“During the first run you can’t wait to get on the bike to give your legs a rest, and then after the bike you look forward to the last run. I’d recommend duathlon to anyone they are so much fun to do,” she said.

Up to now, Martha has never taken part in a triathlon. But, with training to strengthen her swimming, she says she would love to take part in one someday.

Martha also loves to take part in running races, evidently proving talented in this area too. Having beaten several course records this year, she says she loves the feeling of achieving great times.

“I’m very proud of my Mossley 10k race this year, I knew the route so well and my family were there to watch, which was lovely.

“I don’t enter races thinking that I can beat the course records, but I enter and then if it happens, it happens.

“Sometimes in races I look down at my watch and decide that if I run a little bit faster, then I could achieve the time, that’s always a nice feeling.”

Martha sees these times as motivation, pushing her to try her absolute best in every race.

Having races planned helps to keep her on track with training, giving her a routine and offering some stability.

Heading into the winter months, Martha says she often focuses more on running as the weather turns bitter.

“Cycling can feel awful in the winter months, you're often getting splashed by cars and your bike can deteriorate too.

“A regular training week for me often includes a short, fast session, a longer run at the weekend and a tempo run in the middle. If there’s a competition coming up, my training might change slightly to facilitate that.

“When the weather is nicer, I try to get out on my bike as much as possible, it’s all about time on the bike and it’s nice to give my legs a break too,” she said.

As someone who lives and breathes fitness, Martha finds exercise to be incredible for her physical and mental wellbeing.

She encourages younger athletes to give sport a go and find something that they enjoy.

“The most important thing is enjoying your sport. If you don’t enjoy it, there’s no point in doing it.

“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to compete with others, it can be easy to compare yourself to other people on apps like Strava, but really it’s about training for you and running your own race.”

She also understands the fear that many women have around approaching exercise, especially around certain anxieties in the gym.

Despite being a talented athlete, Martha feels great gym anxiety and can’t imagine anything much worse than stepping into a gym, surrounded by people.

“I have these worries myself so I understand why some people feel anxious around exercise. You really have to try and not think about what other people are doing, you train for your benefit and not for anyone else.

“I still have never stepped foot in a gym, but it’s about finding what works for you. Train to make yourself feel better and realise that no one cares what you’re doing.

“A tip I would give is find a group and stick together, you’ll learn routes and feel the support which will help to build your confidence,” Martha said.

A member at both Saddleworth Runners and Saddleworth Clarion, Martha knows just how great it is to have the support of a group, working in a team to constantly improve.

Going forward, she plans to set her sights on more duathlon races in 2023, as well as venturing further to compete in fell races.

She will undoubtedly continue to be a shining light in the sporting community, achieving great times and carrying a smile whilst doing so.

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