Apryl Hammett, a 54-year-old librarian, aims to complete the rare Triple Crown at the London Marathon. This will mark her 100th road race, adding to her extensive running achievements.
Key points
Apryl Hammett is a 54-year-old ultra-marathon runner.
She works as a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford.
The London Marathon will be her 100th road race.
She has completed over 100 trail and ultra-marathons.
Hammett is running for the Alzheimer's Society.
Mentioned in this story
Apryl HammettAlzheimer's SocietyLondon
London Marathon
Apryl wearing a light blue running vest with Alzheimer's Society written on the front - the charity she's running in aid of at Sunday's London Marathon. Her top also says Mrs H. She's smiling and pointing to her name on her vest.
"Mrs H" - as she's known - is a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford [John Fairhall/BBC]
A 54-year-old ultra-marathon runner who had breast cancer says it is her ultimate ambition to complete the 100 Marathon Club challenge of the "Triple Crown".
Apryl Hammett, who works as a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford, will tick off her 100th road race at Sunday's London Marathon.
She has already completed more than 100 trail versions and 100 ultra-marathons, since she took up running 25 years ago.
"It has got harder as I have got a little bit older, but the target has kept me going, and I am almost there," she said.
Apryl running in a blue and purple vest, with pink shoes and blue headband through the trees in training
Sunday's race will be Apryl's 465th marathon since she took up running 25 years ago [John Fairhall/BBC]
Hammett, who is running in aid of the Alzheimer's Society after a close family member was diagnosed with dementia, said she took up running originally to lose weight.
"After I had finished breastfeeding my last daughter, I carried on eating too much. I was very overweight and something had to be done, as it was going to affect my health," she said.
"I had a choice — either go on a diet or take up exercise."
Apryl said she had a friend who recommended a pair of running shoes for her and she never looked back.
On Sunday, she will take part in her 465th marathon race (made up of road, trail and ultra-marathons). She said she would love to make it to 500 before she considers hanging up her running shoes.
Q&A
Who is Apryl Hammett and what is her running goal?
Apryl Hammett is a 54-year-old ultra-marathon runner and librarian aiming to complete the Triple Crown by finishing her 100th road race at the London Marathon.
What is the Triple Crown in marathon running?
The Triple Crown refers to completing three prestigious marathon events, which is a significant achievement in the running community.
How many marathons has Apryl Hammett completed?
Apryl Hammett has completed over 100 trail versions and 100 ultra-marathons, with the London Marathon being her 100th road race.
What charity is Apryl Hammett running for in the London Marathon?
Apryl Hammett is running in aid of the Alzheimer's Society at the London Marathon.
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"Road marathons are harder, particularly as you get older," she said.
"The surfaces are less forgiving [on your joints], unlike the grass. So it might be a lot of trail marathons that helps me reach the 500 milestone."
Apryl and Paula Radcliffe smile for the camera at the Brighton Marathon. Apryl in a red vest, which says Breast Cancer Now on the front and Paula in a grey tracksuit top.
Apryl poses with her medal alongside former British long distance runner Paula Radcliffe, a three-time winner of the London Marathon [Apryl Hammett]
Apryl holds her arms high as she nears the finish of a recent marathon. She is wearing a light blue, purple and yellow vest and she's cheered across the line by spectators who are applauding outside a barrier at the finish.
Apryl is running her 98th, 99th and 100th road marathons all in the month of April [Apryl Hammett]
Libby May, events fundraising officer at the Alzheimer's Society said: "The money raised provides vital support to people living with dementia, and funds ground-breaking research and campaigns to make dementia the priority it should be.
"There are around a million people living with dementia in the UK. We simply can't reach everyone who needs us without the continued help of our incredible fundraisers like Apryl."
Indeed, April has been a busy month for Apryl...
She has completed her 98th (Brighton) and 99th (Norfolk) road marathons before her 100th in the capital, when she hopes to accomplish the rare feat of the triple crown of 300 races.
She will become the 20th person (and fifth female) to officially run 100 road, trail and ultra-marathons and claim their award patch.
The 145-mile (233km) ultra-marathon goes from the centre of Birmingham to the centre of London along the waterway's towpath.
"It took me 39 and a half hours. I had a lot of support from friends, which was lovely, as we ran throughout the night, without sleep," she said.
"We also had to contend with an electrical storm during the evening, which made it even more challenging but we got there - just."
Apryl wearing a black coat and pink headband is pictured grinning and posing with a cake in a box. It is covered is icing showing a path through a field with trees, birds and the "parkrun" logo.
Apryl pictured with a cake celebrating her 500th Parkrun - a free 5km community event, which takes place on Saturdays all over the world [Apryl Hammett]
Apryl said she will warm up for Sunday's race with yet another Parkrun - she has already clocked up more than 500 goes at the free 5km running events which take place across the world every Saturday morning.
She said running for her chosen charity would keep her going.
"The Alzheimer's Society have been so helpful to us, and they continue to help so many other families.
"Dementia is tough, not only for the person involved but also the people around them, supporting them."
In recent years, Apryl has had her own personal struggles with health after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her husband Guy has been diagnosed with throat cancer.
"I love running, and being outdoors. I feel privileged to be able to do it and I hope to continue to run for many years.
"The London Marathon is just the best race. The crowds are phenomenal. It is so exciting when you hear people shouting 'Mrs H', or whoever's name it is.
"I have done the other two parts of the challenge, so my 100th road marathon in London to complete the triple crown will be an incredible experience."
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