Why I am running for Versus Arthritis.
My name is Imogen, I am 16 years old and I am now in remission from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) after 14 years of living with the condition. I was diagnosed at the age of 2 and this impacted the joints in my knees and ankles which meant I had difficulty walking and playing. Throughout years of treatment, hospital appointments and operations, I have now recovered and have found so much joy in sport and running.Arthritis isn’t just for old people. It affects young people too. I am running to represent all the children and young adults who are experiencing or have experienced JIA and arthritis.
I want to show them that anything is possible, even when it seems like it isn’t.
My Updates
English Schools National Cross Country Championships 14th March 2026
Wednesday 18th Mar On Friday 13th March, I travelled down on a coach to Liverpool, to run at Sefton Park on Saturday.I had qualified to represent Northumberland in the English Schools National Cross Country Championships.
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On Saturday we arrived at Sefton Park around 9.30, and the place was heaving with people. There were gazebos, tents and tape everywhere and I could see the course across the whole park.
The length of my race, as a senior girl, was 4.4k (they forgot to mention the 0.07km extra!) which is fairly similar to a Parkrun. I was so nervous as it was the biggest sporting event that I had ever been to and I was a mixture of nearly crying, laughing or throwing up 😂.
Everyone around me pretty much had cross country spikes on, but I was wearing trail shoes. Trail shoes provide the most support for my ankles as they have a wider base and are a more supportive shoe. I was advised not to wear spikes because of my medical history of arthritis in my knees and ankles.
Standing at the start line, I actually began to feel calm and then the gun went off! The course was amazing and the sun was shining, not your typical idea of a cross country! It wasn’t as muddy as I had been expecting and I tried my best, so much so that I got my fastest mile of 7.07! I ran my 4.47km in 20.53 and I was so proud.
My younger self would never have imagined that I would be able to do this. But I could.
School Cross Country
Sunday 1st Feb This year, I have taken part in school cross country. This is my first time EVER! Its pretty scary. I never took part when I was younger because I wasn't allowed to because of my JIA. However, now that I have been in remission, I decided to give it a go.And I am so glad that I did.
In a weeks time, I am going to run for Northumberland.
I honestly still can't quite believe it and I am so proud!
My younger me would be so happy 😊
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Heaton Harrier's 10K 11.11.2025
Sunday 1st Feb I ran the Heaton Harriers' Memorial 10K!!!It was on the Town Moor and it was a beautiful day. My sister and I ran it together and we were hoping that I would pace her to a PB! And we did... but it went so well that I even smashed my 10K PB at the North Tyneside 10K a couple of months earlier.
I got 50:50!
My muscles were aching but I thought that I needed to keep going faster because I needed to pace my sister. 😄
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North Tyneside 10k!!!
Sunday 28th Sep Last Sunday I ran the North Tyneside 10k!This was quite different to my normal runs and the Parkrun. It was my first ever chip timed run and it was amazing. The atmosphere was fantastic and so many came out to support.
The day before it was pouring with rain but I thought I am just going to have to run it anyway, so in a way it was training for the Great North Run 😂
My family and I all took part and it was so fun! And as an extra bonus I got my best 10k time EVER! I got 52:28 and I hope that next year I can make it under 50.
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Hi Imo, you've overcome so much since being diagnosed and now you are in remission. I think you are quite remarkable and a hero of mine. Gdad x