News

A North Devon runner who has inspired thousands by completing endurance runs topless following a double mastectomy is preparing to take on RUN Barnstaple in September once again in support of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW). 

Louise Butcher, known locally and nationally as the 'Topless Runner', will take on this year's RUN Barnstaple Marathon as her seventh marathon, combining her passion for running with her commitment to supporting local charities and promoting body positivity. Ahead of September's event, Louise has been building up her training with a series of races and challenges; 

"The RUN Barnstaple Marathon will be my seventh marathon," she said. "Training is going great, most of it is other races as well as my normal running. I even completed a 50km ultramarathon along the Tarka Trail, so I'm super familiar with the route." 

When asked what she likes about the RUN Barnstaple Marathon, Louise shared: 
"The event is well organised, friendly and well supported, and I love running on my home turf." 

The marathon course follows much of the scenic Tarka Trail, a route Louise knows and loves. 
"The RUN Barnstaple Marathon is one of my favourites because it's mostly flat and I love running the Tarka Trail, with its fabulous scenery and wildlife," she said. "I am never happier than when I'm running the trail. I feel at ease and at one with the beautiful nature. It takes away all of my worries." 

Louise is also passionate about supporting Children's Hospice South West, a cause close to her heart. 
"Supporting the hospice is vital and I am always trying to support our community, as it has supported me so much in the past" she says. 

Louise's remarkable running journey has become an inspiration to many following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022: 
"I was training for the Virtual London Marathon in 2022 when I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. It was a complete shock since my mammogram had been clear three weeks earlier," she said. "Breast cancer broke me and my family, but I was determined not to let it take away my dream of running the Virtual London Marathon." 

Determined to keep moving forward, Louise continued training throughout her treatment, including two mastectomies and radiotherapy. 
"Running helped me focus, kept me sane and helped my recovery both mentally and physically. I owe my life to it," she said. 

Louise completed the Virtual London Marathon in October 2022, just 6 weeks after her mastectomy and 3 days after finishing radiotherapy. She later chose to run topless, proudly displaying her mastectomy scars to challenge perceptions around flat closure surgery, promote body positivity and raise awareness of lobular breast cancer. Louise has also shared her inspiring story in her book, Going Topless, in which she recounts her struggles and triumphs following her diagnosis, culminating in her Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed by a woman following a double mastectomy. In 2024, Louise took on the RUN Barnstaple Marathon topless, raising vital funds for CHSW while continuing her mission to encourage confidence, acceptance and understanding. She is now preparing to return to the RUN Barnstaple Marathon course once again, combining her love of running with her commitment to supporting local causes. 
 

Kate Romo, RUN Barnstaple event organiser, said: 
"Louise is an incredible inspiration. By sharing her story and continuing to take on running challenges, like the RUN Barnstaple Marathon, Louise is making a huge difference, not only by raising vital funds for local charities but also by encouraging important conversations around body positivity. We are incredibly grateful for her ongoing support and wish her the very best of luck for this year's RUN Barnstaple Marathon." 

Funds raised through RUN Barnstaple will help CHSW continue providing expert care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, across the South West. 

Leading the way as headline sponsor for RUN Barnstaple once more is Wollens, joined by holidaycottages.co.uk, Stagecoach, Bond Oxborough Phillips and The Brend Collection, who have all pledged their support for this year’s event. 

 

To find out more and sign up to the RUN Barnstaple Marathon, Half Marathon or 10k on Sunday 27 September visit www.chsw.org.uk/runbarnstaple