Azores Blue Island Marathon

An epic 42K (actually 44.5K owing to taking a wrong turn!) 8-hour marathon, from the east to the west coast of Faial Island in the Azores, ascending the island’s central volcanic crater, the Caldeira, to heights of 1043m above sea level, with an overall elevation gain of 2015m. Spectacular, changing landscapes were the backdrop of this incredible run across the “Blue Island” in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Freya completed a 4-month training plan in preparation for the Azores marathon, beginning in January 2025. She took 3 weeks’ rest in March following a calf strain, but otherwise all training runs were ticked off the list. No questions, no excuses, just do it. This is commitment. 💪

The weather during the race was largely cold, wet and windy, with poor visibility and severe gusts around the rim of the Caldeira (volcanic crater). But the sun shone for the finish! ☀️

Freya slipped during a particularly muddy section of the Levada Trail, straining the left foot metatarsal. And 5 days after landing back in the UK, X-rays confirmed a small fracture of the right big toe from accidentally kicking a rock!

Despite the minor injuries, and inclement weather, the marathon was a mind-blowing, soul-expanding experience and Freya is now looking for an ultra to compete in… (once she has recovered!).

Freya was the 5th female finisher for her age category. 132 people took part. If Freya can do this, you can too. Simply: Committed action delivers results.

Thanks to the Let’s Run Girls Ely crew, for showing up every week come rain or shine, and teaching us all what commitment is.

Huge thanks to everyone who donated to the cause. The Samaritans is an amazing charity offering 24/7 365 support for whatever you’re going through. You can still donate here, thank you: https://www.justgiving.com/page/freya-freely-azores