The UCAS Marathon: What Eliud Kipchoge Taught Me About Law School

Written by Chelsea Uzoh

As someone who loves watching sports and plays competitive netball, I’ve always admired the discipline behind remarkable athletic achievements. Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge is one of the most inspiring examples of this. On 12 October 2019, he ran 26.2 miles in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40.2 seconds, breaking a barrier once thought impossible. His success wasn't just about talent; it was the result of careful preparation, innovative technology, and a dedicated team of pacemakers and experts who ensured every detail was perfect. His story taught me that behind every exceptional goal lies a plan, a team, and unwavering belief.

I like to think about the UCAS process in the same way. When I first thought about applying to study law at university in Year 12, it felt like running a race with no map. As a Nigerian immigrant from a working-class, single-parent household, I had no one to guide me through my personal statement or legal opportunities. My mum had never been to university, so I had to figure out the UK education system on my own, discovering programmes like Zero Gravity and K+ that could give me a competitive edge. When my mentor reviewed my personal statement and suggested ways to strengthen it, it felt like a door had swung open. Every step, every workshop, every piece of guidance added up, just as every pacemaker and detail contributed to Kipchoge’s record. It made me realise that success rarely happens in isolation; it’s the result of collaboration and perseverance.

The game-changer for me was joining social mobility programmes and mentoring networks for students from working-class backgrounds. When I joined Zero Gravity, I was paired with a university mentor who didn’t just review my personal statement but helped me turn it into a piece strong enough to win offers from top law schools like King’s and Durham. She also introduced me to K+, King’s College London’s flagship widening participation programme for sixth formers. Through K+, I attended academic taster sessions, career experiences, and workshops that prepared me for university life. Completing the programme gave me a guaranteed offer with reduced grades, a £1,000 bursary, and access to student networks like Aspire and Pride Power. These experiences strengthened my resilience, confidence, and belief in what I could achieve.

Kipchoge’s marathon reminds me that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with preparation, resilience, and support. Navigating UCAS and applying to top law schools felt like a long, uncertain race, but with the right guidance and perseverance, the finish line was never out of reach.

For any working-class student in Year 12 or Year 13 who aspires to study law at university, I’d say this: seek out support, find mentors, and believe in your potential. Programmes like Zero Gravity and K+ exist to level the playing field. With hard work, preparation, and belief in yourself, you can reach the finish line too, and discover that what once felt impossible is entirely within your grasp. After all, every finish line is just the beginning of another race.