A former London Marathon wheelchair champion from Exeter is back in training, supported by a local Exeter strength studio as she prepares for her return to racing.
Sarah Piercy, who won the London Marathon in 2000, is once again working towards the start line, building strength and confidence with the help of fit20 Exeter. The 2026 TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April 2026. Widely regarded as the world’s greatest marathon, the event strongly supports disabled participants, with more than 1,500 people with a disability registered to take part.
Sarah’s inspiring journey has recently been featured on ITV West Country News, highlighting both her determination and the role local businesses play in supporting individual success stories. (See social post below)
Training at Exeter strength studio, fit20, Sarah has been following a carefully structured programme designed to improve strength, mobility and overall physical resilience. The studio’s approach focuses on safe, supervised sessions tailored to the individual, making it accessible for people of all abilities.
“We are incredibly proud to support Sarah as she trains for this challenge,” said Pete Eggleston, General Manager of fit20 Exeter and Torquay. “Her commitment, resilience and positive attitude have been inspiring to see, and it’s a privilege to be part of her journey.”
Sarah’s story is a powerful example of how local businesses can make a meaningful difference, not just in fitness, but in confidence, wellbeing and long-term health. At a time when many people are looking for more personalised and time-efficient ways to stay active, studios like fit20 Exeter are helping to reshape how strength training is delivered in the region.
For the Devon business community, it’s also a reminder of the value of collaboration, where local expertise and individual ambition come together to achieve something remarkable.
As Sarah continues her training, the team at fit20 Exeter and the wider Exeter community will be cheering her on every step of the way.
ITV News tells’s Sarah’s story, at fit20 Exeter strength studio
About fit20 Exeter
fit20 is an international franchise that is changing the way people view strength training including many sports people, golfers and athletes. The franchise currently has over 23,000 members in 170 studios across 15 countries. The studios specialise in the ‘minimum effective dose’ training approach. It offers a unique, effective, and efficient way to achieve fitness goals in just 20 minutes a week. All sessions are guided by certified personal trainers who ensure the exercises are performed correctly, safely, and in slow motion.
Local Devon entrepreneur, Duncan Attwood owns fit20 Exeter and Torquay. Devon Business previously talked to him about the fit20 method of training. See: Interview with Duncan Attwood who says you can change your body composition with strength training
Devon Business
We support local entrepreneurship and help companies get noticed in the Southwest of England. Our Devon Business Directory lists local service providers and highlights businesspeople across the region. We blog about businesses that are making a difference, recognising business leaders and sharing success stories. We also look at marketplace trends and ways to increase productivity.
