Running With Heart and Purpose | Running Tales Guest: Delaney Dawson
At Run Tri Bike, we celebrate the resilience, grit, and heart of everyday endurance athletes who dare to chase the start line—even when life throws unimaginable hurdles their way. In this podcast episode of Running Tales with Craig Lewis, Craig chat with Delaney Dawson. —a lifelong runner, certified coach, and cancer survivor. Her inspiring comeback story is one for runners at all levels.
Early Steps: A Lifelong Love of Running
Delaney’s story begins with childhood races in school cross-country and track. Influenced by her uncle’s determination to run the London Marathon despite asthma, she laced up young and never looked back. Over time, she completed seven marathons across iconic cities like London, Paris, and Chicago. But it wasn’t just about race medals—it was about the sense of connection, movement, and freedom that running gave her.
When Everything Changed: Injury and Diagnosis
In 2019, while training for an ultramarathon, Delaney’s plans came to a halt. A misdiagnosed foot issue turned out to be a serious back injury involving disc damage. Told she might never run long distances again, she focused on rehabilitation. Against the odds, she completed a 10K trail race. But just two weeks later, she faced something far more life-altering: a breast cancer diagnosis.
Mindset Over Miles: Running Through Treatment
Delaney didn’t let the diagnosis sideline her completely. Even during chemotherapy, when she felt strong enough, she ran. When treatments affected her heart, she set small goals, like finishing a parkrun at Fountains Abbey. Through it all, her mindset shifted. She stopped chasing times and began embracing each run with gratitude. Each step became a celebration of what her body could still do.
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Movement With Meaning: 5K Your Way
As part of her recovery, Delaney became an ambassador for 5K Your Way, a UK-based movement inviting anyone affected by cancer to join parkrun events—walking, running, volunteering, or simply having a coffee. These inclusive communities helped her—and many others—reconnect with purpose, community, and movement without pressure or pace goals.
Reclaiming Joy: Super Halves and Beyond
Delaney’s comeback continued with the Midnight Sun Half Marathon in Reykjavik, raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. She’s now pursuing the Super Halves series across Europe, embracing each finish line—even if it’s slower than before. For Delaney, showing up is more important than how fast she gets there.
Empowering Others: Coaching With Compassion
Now a certified Coach in Running Fitness, Delaney volunteers with Epsom AllSorts, a women’s running club. She advocates for safe, supportive spaces where women can build confidence and realize their potential. Her approach is rooted in empathy and lived experience—proof that running is not just about physical strength but emotional resilience.
Show Up With Heart
Delaney Dawson’s is a runner with a comeback story that is inspiring and a reminder to every endurance athletes: your worth isn’t defined by finish times. Whether you’re recovering from injury, illness, or simply learning to love the run again—your effort, your joy, and your presence matter. As Delaney proves, when you run with heart, you’re already winning.
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