Harrison runs the world...twice

Harrison, 41, has kept meticulous training diaries since she first started running seriously 26 years ago under the guidance of coach Les Barnett.

The figure takes into account training runs and races and is the equivalent of more than twice around the equator.

Harrison, whose success on the track, road and cross country, has seen her represent Great Britain three times and England seven times, says the benefits that come with her sport have made the hours of hard slog worthwhile.

“Running has given me so much enjoyment,” said Harrison, who balances training and competing with with her job as a landscape architect at Warwickshire County Council.

“I’ve met some amazing people and travelled to some amazing places.

“Running is my life.”

Harrison holds all senior ladies’ club track records from 3,000m to 10,000m at Leamington C&AC along with the ladies’ road running best times from 5k to 100k.

Her best performance came in Ireland in 2010 when she won the IAU World 50k final, setting a new UK and English national record and a World Masters best.

She is currently in a 90-mile-per-week training block in preparation for ultra distance races later in the year and said that despite her dedication, her achievements would not have been possible without an excellent support network.

“As I receive no financial benefits from my sport I would have found it very difficult to manage without the support of various sponsors including Mizuno, Warwick Sports and The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club.

“Additionally the support of my parents, my coach Les and my training group have provided motivation and encouragement at all times.”

Harrison received a bunch of flowers from fellow training group members Zara Blower, Steve Hundal and Steve Howes to mark her milestone enabling her to reflect on a feat most people could only dream of.

“I suppose it is quite an achievement,” she said. “I’m quite proud of it.”