Arabic version: جيس وارنر جاد تحتفل بظهورها الأول في الماراثون بعد معركة مع الصرع

Jess Warner Judd, 31, is set to make her London Marathon debut in 2026, a significant milestone following her epilepsy diagnosis. “I’m very lucky to have had sort of a second chance at running,” Warner Judd expressed, reflecting on her challenging journey back to competitive athletics. According to BBC News, her struggles began during the European Championship final in June 2024, where she suffered a seizure that led to her hospitalization.

Warner Judd’s husband, Rob, and her father, Mike, witnessed her distress during the race, culminating in her collapse with 600 meters remaining. Following this incident, she was diagnosed with focal epilepsy, which caused the seizures that impeded her athletic career. Despite the diagnosis, her initial attempts to return to running were met with physical and mental challenges, including a panic attack during training.

The athlete’s journey back to the track was fraught with difficulties, requiring a year of therapy to help her process the trauma associated with her seizures. Warner Judd noted, “It was really difficult to love running again,” as she grappled with the fear of experiencing another seizure during competition.

Settling into life in Clitheroe, Lancashire, Warner Judd has embraced both her training and a part-time job at a local supermarket. Her husband, Rob, also a runner, supports her as they train together in their new surroundings. Warner Judd’s recent marathon debut in New York showcased her resilience, finishing in an impressive two hours, 24 minutes, and 45 seconds, placing seventh overall.

As Warner Judd prepares for the London Marathon, she reflects on her past achievements and looks forward to the race, which marks a full-circle moment since her Mini London Marathon victory 14 years ago. Although contemplating a return to track racing, she emphasizes that it will be on her terms, prioritizing enjoyment and personal fulfillment over competitiveness.