460 Purpose Over Pace with Holly Rowlinson

After collapsing from heatstroke during the 2024 Brighton Marathon, Holly Rowlinson faced heartbreak and the loss of a long-held goal. With reflection and the support of St John Ambulance, Holly turned her setback into a purpose. A year later, she ran the 2025 London Marathon, raising over £2,000 for the charity who helped her back to her feet. Holly’s story is a testament to community, gratitude and the strength created from having a meaningful why. With this clarity and determination, Holly focused beyond the finish line. Reframing failure, she chose not to run for time but for something greater. Holly chose purpose over pace.

 

KEY TAKEAWAY

‘We both pushed each other over that line and that's the spirit of the marathon.’

 

RESOURCE
Holly’s Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/holsvslondonmara4sja

 

ABOUT HOLLY

Holly is a final year English undergraduate at the University of Exeter, having spent her third year studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She loves skiing, playing university cricket and parkrun tourism both as a runner and volunteer.

 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyrowlinson/

 

ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON

Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.

 

BOOK RECOMMENDATION*

Shortlisted in The Business Book Awards 2025 (Work and Life category): Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}