Bradford Grammar School’s Head of Year 12 and Teacher of Chemistry, Sarah Flaherty, has had an extraordinary autumn of competitive running, combining international marathon success with a family milestone that looks set to become a Guinness World Record.
In early November, Mrs Flaherty travelled to the United States to take part in the New York City Marathon, one of the world’s most iconic long-distance events. She finished with a remarkable time of 2:57:48, placing 6th in her age category and securing automatic qualification for the 2026 Chicago Marathon.
Just a few weeks before New York, she lined up alongside her daughter, former Head Girl Rebecca Flaherty, at the Great North Run. Rebecca, who is currently studying at the University of Oxford and competes for England at U23 level, completed the 13.1-mile course in 1:18:48, while Mrs Flaherty ran 1:25:31. Their combined time of 2 hours 44 minutes 19 seconds sets a new Guinness World Record for the fastest mother-and-daughter half marathon, which is now awaiting official verification. Mrs Flaherty’s son, Old Bradfordian Alex Flaherty, also took part, finishing in 1:21:56.
“Crossing the line in the Great North Run and realising we’d set a world record together was an incredible moment,” said Sarah. “And just weeks later, running the New York City Marathon, with the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline around me, was another unforgettable experience – the crowds, the bridges, the adrenaline – it reminded me how lucky I am to be able to do this.”
Mrs Flaherty has previously completed the London Marathon three times and recorded 2:54:50 at the Berlin Marathon last year, finishing 5th in her age group. She balances her training with a full timetable at BGS, running 11 km into school several times a week.
“Running is both a mental and physical challenge,” she said. “It keeps me sane, gives me time to think and helps me process the day and plan for the next.”
“Crossing the line in the Great North Run and realising we’d set a world record together was an incredible moment,” said Sarah. “And just weeks later, running the New York City Marathon, with the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline around me, was another unforgettable experience – the crowds, the bridges, the adrenaline – it reminded me how lucky I am to be able to do this.”