Scott Allen was never a keen runner; it was only in 2008 when a work colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer, did he suggest that raising money for a cancer charity via running could help.
At this point in his life, 27, Scott had a diet mainly consisting of pizza and beer, with a pinch of very little exercise. This was a stark difference from his youthful days when he’d be a sure top two finish in the 1500m at school.
“I trained. I trained so much, I wanted to help so much,” says Scott. “I completed my city’s half marathon and raised over a £1000 for charity. I was hooked. I instantly registered for the next local half marathon.”
Between 2008-12, Scott had completed 20 half-marathons and the New York Marathon. That included a torrid year out with deep vain thrombosis in 2009.
But in 2012 Scott was dealt a major blow. During his application for the Rome Marathon he failed his medical and was referred to a heart specialist. They broke the news that he had a leaky aortic valve and would require open-heart surgery.
“I was gutted to hear my heart was not working properly. Doctors explained I had aortic regurgitation,” said Scott. “This means the valve pumps blood, but leaks blood back through. Meaning the heart works twice as hard. When I heard this I cried. I had run the New York marathon with a fucked up heart and counted myself so fortunate.”
But this type of surgery was set to be slightly different than most, the replacement valve was to come from a cow. Yes, as in the farm animal.
Scott was however, un-fazed: “There was a choice between having a mechanical heart valve or an organic cow valve. Both had advantages and disadvantages. I chose the cow’s valve. I realise I will need a replacement in the future, but the mechanical valve suggested never being a parent, never drinking and hearing the valve all the time.
“When making a decision, I wasn’t too concerned about it being from an animal. I had complete confidence in the doctors at my local hospital.”
He added: “I cannot honestly say why it had to be a cow valve, I am aware on some instances a pigs valve can be used.”
Thankfully the operation went ahead successfully and Scott came through unscathed.
“After surgery it took me 9 months to get my fitness back,” said Scott. “I had to learn to walk, then run again.”
He added: “I always believed I would get back to running again after heart surgery. If anything it only enhanced my passion of the sport. Made me more determined, more focused.”
So after surgery he set himself quite an optimistic target: “I wanted to test myself and at the same time see as much of the world as possible. I thought 20 marathons around the world would be a challenging way to see some beautiful cities.”
And how has he done? “So far I’ve chalked off eight! I have Oslo booked next month and Dublin booked in October. I’m enjoying it so much, I can see me surpassing 20.”
It’s quite an incredible story, one which will live long in the memory.
Scott has now moved on to setting up his very own beginners running group: “We have been going just over four months and have had 169 different runners. We have an active running base of over 130 runners.”
He added: “My time, energy and focus is on this incredible bunch of people. Continuing to coach, mentor and develop these brilliant individuals.”
Here’s to you Scott, a truly inspirational figure in the running world.
