100 marathons: Vicky Lyon’s story - Edinburgh Marathon 2025

27 May 2025

On Sunday, Vicky Lyon ran the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, alongside her son, Robbie. In doing so, Vicky has now run an incredible 100 marathons and joins the ‘100 Marathon Club’. 

Reflecting on her motivation to sign-up and run for the Foundation, Vicky said: “I grew up in the Scottish Borders and so rugby has always been a huge part of my life. My husband and I are season ticket holders for Scotland, and we were at the Scotland v New Zealand game when Doddie made his last appearance to present the match ball before his death in 2022. Having completed my first marathon in Edinburgh in May 2012, and knowing this would be my son’s first, I thought it would feel special to run my 100th race back in Edinburgh. The 100 Marathon Club colours are also blue and yellow, which felt like a sign that I should run this marathon for Doddie.”

“I stumbled across the 100 Marathon Club by accident on Facebook. When I started running marathons, I didn’t have a goal number in mind but when I heard about the club and the blue and yellow shirt you receive on completing your 100th, I thought “yeah I gotta get that!” It’s just a great bunch of people who support each other. I’ve made so many friends across the UK and as they all run marathons, they don’t get bored of talking about them!”

On marathon day, Vicky had the support of friends who live on the route, friends volunteering on the day, her husband, and Mr Puppyman (her labrador-collie cross). 

She said: “It was so lovely completing my 100th marathon with my son, his friends, and my good friend Chris Burns, who is also the president of the Edinburgh Marathon Aye Club, having run every Edinburgh marathon since 2003. This made it even more special. 

“The weather was brutal at points. The wind on the way back was 20mph into your face and the downpours were tough, but my running coach, Ross, was volunteering at the 18-mile turning point – he gave me a big hug and that really picked me up. The supporters were fantastic, especially everyone who stayed throughout the rain. It made all the difference.”

On completion of the race, Vicky said: “It all feels a bit surreal. As I got to the entrance of the park I felt myself welling up a little, but when I came to the final stretch someone said “is that 100 marathons?” and everyone started cheering. That was brilliant, it felt absolutely awesome. As did putting on that blue and yellow jersey!

“Running a marathon is an amazing thing to do, not just the running but the training too. You push yourself into a place you never thought you would go and you learn more about yourself and what you can do as a person in so many ways.

“It was fantastic running for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The kindness of strangers was inspiring. Before the race, I didn’t know anyone else who was also running, but when we saw each other out on the course in our tartan jerseys, we would high-five and smile at each other. It made it feel like we were a team running to make a difference.”

To anyone considering running for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in the future, Vicky says: “A marathon is hard but it’s easy compared to what people with motor neuron disease (MND) and their families have to push through every day. So if 26.2 miles makes a little bit of a difference, then do it. You won’t regret it, and you’ll be helping fund vital research into MND in the search for a cure. I’d like to thank the Foundation for supporting me and every one of the volunteers out on the course. Together, we are dedicated to something far bigger than ourselves.”

Spaces are open for the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival, so if you fancy lacing up your trainers for Team Doddie - whether it's your first marathon or your hundredth - you can do so by clicking here.