Meet Julie Creffield: The Big‑Hearted Marathoner
Six years back, a London doctor told Julie Creffield, “You’re too fat to run a marathon.” She shrugged off the comment and proved him wrong.
Now, at 40, she’s heading into her fourth New York City Marathon—her “dream come true.” As a life coach turned runner, Julie’s journey is a story worth cheering about.
The First Race: A Humbling Start
- Julie hiked into her first race in 2010, finishing last.
- “By the finish line, everyone had gone home,” she says, still in her trusty black leggings and pink hoodie.
- That moment sparked a feeling of embarrassment and the idea that maybe she wasn’t meant for running.
But she turned that setback into motivation. She started a blog called “Too Fat to Run.” The goal? Inspire women of all shapes to lace up.
From London Olympics to New York Streets
Julie’s inspiration hit full gear when she watched the London Olympics. She replied with a burst of determination: “I’m going to run that first marathon.”
Since then she’s tackled:
- ~30 half marathons
- Ultra marathons
- Triathlons
Her mantra: “It’s about empowering bigger women who haven’t seen themselves in the running scene.” She sees an image of runners as tall, skinny, and fast—and she’s rewriting that narrative.
A Real‑World Size
Julie knows her weight, but she prefers comfort over numbers. She wears a size 18 (UK) or a size 16 (US).
New York: The Big Finish Line
When the autumn leaves in Central Park turn gold, Julie dreams of crossing the finish line alongside over 50,000 other runners.
Typical finish time for the city’s marathon is about 4 hours 35 minutes. Julie estimates she’ll take between 6 ½ and 7 ½ hours, mixing runs with walks as needed—her personal “pacing” that keeps her positive.
Beyond the Dash: Why She Runs
Her reasons run far beyond weight loss:
- Combatting depression
- Socializing with fellow runners
- Creating “me time” on the road
Despite heckling—pucks from car windows, shouted words of “you’ll get better”—Julie’s resilience shines.
The Heckler’s Tale
“People think I’m new because I’m big. They shout, ‘It gets easier!’ I’ve run for 15 years,” she laughs. “I’m not messing around—this is my own pace.”
In truth, her words echo something deeper: There are countless dimensions to be a woman beyond appearances.
Open‑Hearted Races
Many want marathons reserved for elite athletes, but Julie champions inclusivity. New York Road Runners backs this dream.
Chris Weiller, spokesperson, says, “Our mission is to inspire everyone—regardless of age or ability. The marathon is a club, not a club that puts fences in front of the door.”
