Inspired to take on the 2026 London Marathon? Hear from our 2025 runners
In just a few days, thousands of runners from around the world will gather in London for one of the biggest events in the running calendar: the London Marathon.
Amid the cheer and colourful banners, our runners take on a gruelling 26.2-mile challenge to help give children safe and happy childhoods. For that, we couldn’t be more grateful.
As excitement builds, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our incredible London Marathon charity place runners - each taking on the challenge to support Action for Children.
Take on the challenge and walk, run, or jog for vulnerable children across the UK
Wendy decided to run the London Marathon for Action for Children after experiencing the impact of our work first-hand. She knows that “this is a charity that works.”:
I know children up and down the country are benefiting hugely from the work that Action for Children do. Because I was one of the children
Wendy was first supported by Action for Children when she was 11 years old - help that has had an invaluable impact on her life: “For multiple years they were by my side, and helped support me and my family. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.”
This first-hand experience has fueled Wendy’s training and will keep her pushing forward on race day - knowing that every mile she runs and every pound raised will support a child in need.
Interested in taking on a challenge event?
Charlotte, who ran the London Marathon for Action for Children
Wendy also shared that the chance to share our work has been one of the highlights of her training and fundraising so far:
Fundraising has been such an amazing opportunity to share who Action for Children are and what they do with others. And how they helped in shaping me into being the person I am today.
As part of her training, Wendy has taken on multiple half-marathon races. She said the training “has been tough but going well”:
“I think it’s difficult to understand the hard work, dedication, and determination that goes into training. I don’t think I really understood to begin with. But I’m hoping all the hours and miles, and wet, rainy, cold runs will pay off on Marathon Day.”
Wendy's hopes for the day
Wendy is hoping to finish “with a smile on her face”, to “take in the atmosphere" and "have the most amazing day”. And after months of training, to “celebrate an amazing accomplishment”.
She shared her advice to anyone thinking of taking on the challenge "would be DO IT":
It’s going to be hard, tiring, and stressful. But the team at Action for Children are there every step of the way. The reward completely outweighs anything else.
Sign up for the 2026 London Marathon today
Cambridgeshire Dad, Sebastian is also taking on the 26.2 mile challenge this Sunday. But he’s doing so with the aim of breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest time running the London Marathon in an inflatable costume.
Sebastian will be running the 26.2 mile course dressed in a giant inflatable chicken outfit.
To break the record, he needs to finish in under four hours and fifteen minutes and be fully enclosed inside the costume - including his arms and head.
Sebastian was inspired to take on the challenge by his sister-in-law, who works for Action for Children.
He said he'd been applying for a spot in the London Marathon for "over 15 years […] so once I was accepted to run for Action for Children, I wanted to do something big and set a Guinness World Record."
Each year it’s inspiring to watch the people dressing up and raising money for a good cause, and I wanted to be part of that for an amazing charity like Action for Children.
Sebastian has been training since December and said “learning to get used to running in the suit has been the biggest challenge":
"I’d never worn an inflatable costume before but thought, how hard could it be? It’s been difficult to train inside the costume because I can’t hear much due to the bouncing around and I can’t see as the suit fogs up with condensation."
To stay safe on those long training runs, his wife, Lizzy, has been cycling alongside him.
Sebastian training in his chicken costume with his wife, Lizzy
Hopes for the day
When asked about his hopes for the day, Sebastian said he’s “just hoping that it’s not too hot […] it turns into a greenhouse in there”.
As part of his training and fundraising, he also ran the Colchester Half Marathon which is the furthest he’s run in the suit leading up to the big day.
When he described the experience, he said “It was amazing to hear the crowds make chicken jokes and the kids laughing, so I got a sense of what it will be like on the day for London.”
Sebastian has already surpassed his fundraising goal of raising £1,000 for Action for Children and is hoping to raise even more in this the final week before the London marathon.
He said: “It would be amazing to hold a Guinness World Record to show my son and get him the book for Christmas. Knowing that I can be an inspiration to him while helping vulnerable children is a huge motivation.
Even if I don’t achieve the record, knowing I've helped raise awareness and funds for such a worthwhile charity will make all the sweat and tears worth it.
Every year, we’re amazed by the unwavering dedication of our supporters. And there’s nothing that shows dedication like running the London Marathon.
We can't wait to see Wendy and Sebastian cross the finish line this Sunday, alongside all our other runners.
Sign up for the 2026 London Marathon today
London Marathon FAQs:
When is the London Marathon 2026?
The 2026 TCS London Marathon will take place on Sunday 27 April.
What time does the London Marathon start?
The London Marathon has staggered start times. However, the race will likely start around 8:30am with most people starting in waves from 10am. All waves will have started by 11:30am.
Where does the London Marathon start?
The starting point for the race is at Blackheath at the top of Greenwich Park.
What time does the London Marathon end?
The finish line on The Mall closes at 7:30pm. It is moved to St James' Park until midnight.
Where can I watch the London Marathon?
Spectators can watch anywhere along the marathon’s route. However, particularly exciting points will be at mile 13 (the halfway point) at Tower Bridge and the finish line at The Mall.
There are also accessible viewing points at Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill, and Victoria Embankment.
If you are planning to attend the marathon, runners need support throughout the whole run so it’s best to just turn up, cheer, and enjoy the atmosphere.
How many miles in the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is 26.2 miles.
How many kilometres is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is 42.195 kilometres lone - equivalent to 26.2 miles.
How to enter the London Marathon?
Ballot places for London Marathon 2026 have now been given. You can still sign up by applying for a charity place.
When running for Action for Children, you can enjoy your very own Action for Children running top to wear on the day, exceptional support from our team throughout your fundraising journey, and a post race party for you to show off you well deserved medal – as well as lots of other perks.
When is the London Marathon ballot open?
The 2026 London Marathon ballot opened on the 25 April 2025. Winners were drawn at random and emailed in the summer. If you'd like to run the London Marathon for charity, why not join Team Action for Children.
Run the 2026 London Marathon
Sign up now (opens in a new tab)