Meet the Ironman who has recovered from sepsis to run the Manchester Marathon

Slav Wojcik is no stranger to fitness challenges. Having completed many half, full and ultra-marathons, Ironman competitor Slav will be taking on the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, 3rd April.

In 2021, the 42-year-old father of two had a severe sepsis diagnosis which landed him in Intensive Care. Each challenge he has taken on since is a testament to his determination to overcome his health challenges and return to his active lifestyle.

“My main reasons for participating in all kinds of competitions were to challenge myself, face my fears, and build up confidence,” explains Slav.

“I want to motivate others and prove to myself that I’m capable of achieving things that I once thought were impossible to achieve. This year’s attempt of 26.2 miles has an even deeper meaning. It will be almost a year since I got seriously ill with severe sepsis and survived a near-death experience with doctors having to bring me back to life twice.”

Thankfully Slav survived, but his life turned upside down, and he ended up with a lifetime heart condition. Despite this, he didn’t give up and is back to doing what he loves but with different goals and slight health adjustments.

Founder of One Step Closer and CbdFit, Slav wasn’t a fan of running in the past and having asthma had meant he struggled to control his breathing. But he decided to start working on his weaknesses, strengthening his heart, and eventually began to enjoy running and recognised all the benefits that come from it. Manchester was the first city where Slav ever ran a marathon, and it clearly had an impact on him:

“I was really impressed with the event organisation, support and the atmosphere, so I am sure it will be no different this year. A few of my team members are coming to Manchester to compete and support, and my wife is also running. Participating in events gives me that confidence boost, endorphins, and dopamine release. I’m really looking forward to that excitement that goes through your veins when you arrive at the venue, and I can’t wait to see and hear all the support and, of course, crossing the finish line. This marathon is going to be an emotional one.”

The Therme Manchester Marathon is the largest UK marathon to take place this Spring and is the host for the England Commonwealth Games qualifiers; welcoming the country’s best endurance runners to take on this famous 26.2-mile course through Greater Manchester to compete for a treasured spot on the England team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022. In addition, the Therme Manchester Marathon will also host the trials for British athletes eligible to compete in the qualifiers for the 2022 European Athletics Championships.

Now the 4th largest marathon in Europe and the 2nd largest in the UK, the Therme Manchester Marathon is hugely popular due to its fast flat course and the unrivalled Mancunian atmosphere. With a rich history dating back as far as 1908, the annual event has become a destination for keen runners from all over the country looking to nail a new personal best time. Many first-timers find its supportive and welcoming atmosphere the perfect place to achieve a life goal. 2021 saw 40,000 runners register to take on the famous course.