Celebrating our super supporters as they run the London Marathon

Adele Edwards

What was running the London Marathon like? 

Absolutely amazing, it was one of the best experiences of my life, something I will remember forever. 

What was the atmosphere like on the day?  

It was electric, so much support for the runners on the course, everyone was on a high! Members of my running club and friends came to watch and it was a real boost hearing them all screaming my name and words of encouragement as I passed them. All the spectators were so supportive and wanting everyone to do well, there was real public spirit. 

What was your highlight of the day?  

Everything about it! Seeing so many people running, all for their own personal reasons, the iconic landmarks, the fancy dress, just the sheer amount of people! I was quite overwhelmed at the start, I just couldn’t believe I was about to take on the London Marathon! I’ve watched it on the TV for many years, and never did I think I would be fit or strong enough to run a Marathon let alone London. My biggest highlight had to be running up to Tower Bridge, seeing it appear and getting closer to you is a moment I will never forget, it was truly incredible! 

What was your biggest challenge? 

I had a brilliant first half of the race, got into my pace and felt really strong, unfortunately at around mile 22 I got a stitch (I’m prone to this) and struggled from then on. I had to slow my pace and stop a few times to try and get rid of it, but it wasn’t budging and then my hamstring started cramping. At this point I knew I wasn’t going to achieve my desired sub 4-hour time so I went steady from then on. I still managed to finish in a respectable time of 4.08.13, so taking all this into consideration and it being a very hot day, I was still very pleased with the result. 

Would you run another marathon? 

Absolutely!! in fact, I’ve already entered the ballot for the London Marathon next year! And, at the end of May, I will be tackling my first 50k Ultra Marathon! 

What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?  

Do it! It really is an amazing experience and for such a great cause. For me, it was doing something I love for something I love. So yes, I would say go for it.

Amelia ter Morsche

What was running the London Marathon like? 

The experience of running the London Marathon had me feeling all different types of emotions including pure happiness and joy to tearful and exhausted, along with everything else in between. Crossing the finish line really throws them all right back at you, a feeling I will never forget.  

What was the atmosphere like on the day?  

The huge number of supporters that came out on Sunday are truly what made the day so amazing, along with seeing the sights of London. At times it was almost overwhelming.  

What was your highlight of the day?  

It would have to be seeing my family at around mile 22, the biggest hug from them all really helped perk up my energy and push me towards the finish.  

What was your biggest challenge?  

The heat on Sunday was particularly intense. Staying hydrated was so important – the shower stations provided so much relief from the high temperatures.  

Would you run another marathon?  

Training for the marathon started back in June 2024 at the Harrogate 10k. The training block takes up a lot of time, but worth it for the final victory lap at the end. I may just take some time to rest and enjoy some shorter distances over summer.  

What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?  

My advice to anyone given the opportunity to run the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare would be to take it and run with it!      

Ellie Harrington

What was running the London Marathon like? 

Running the London marathon was an amazing and unforgettable experience, the crowds were incredible and so uplifting. I’m not going to lie – it is mentally and physically challenging especially as you get past the halfway point and thinking you have to do that all over again, but I had the best time and crossing the finish line is an amazing achievement. 

What was the atmosphere like on the day? 

It was amazing, there were thousands of spectators with music, chanting, and they were so motivational. They really pushed me through to the end, especially those handing out the orange slices. 

What was your highlight of the day? 

The highlights of my day were having the support from my family and partner cheering me on with their signs, getting the medal and crossing the finish line, and also running alongside Joe Wicks for a couple miles, he was very motivational! 

What was your biggest challenge?  

I was having a lot of pain in both my knees from around the halfway point through to the end, it really challenged me to keep running at a consistent pace and meant I had to walk occasionally to ease the pain. Due to this I didn’t meet my predicted time but with this and the heat it was understandable! I was just happy to enjoy the atmosphere and finish the race. 

Would you run another marathon? 

If you asked me on Sunday, I would have said no but now knowing I can do hard things and run that distance now, I’d love to do another. The support from spectators is just unmatched at London so I’d definitely want to do it again. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year? 

Absolutely go for it. It’s such an amazing feeling that’s hard to describe, especially being able to run for a charity that’s close to your heart and knowing you are raising money that will help horses in need.  

That being said, the marathon is difficult and isn’t easy to train for, so be prepared for the ups and downs, especially with potential injuries, scheduling your runs into your routine and ensuring you are properly fuelled. But, going from someone who hadn’t had any running experience prior and is now able to run a marathon, I have learnt so much through this experience and am so grateful to be able to run for World Horse Welfare – you can do it too!   

Lucy Callaby

What was running the London Marathon like? 

Honestly it was such a bucket list moment, I’ve never experienced anything like it! It was quite an emotional experience and one I will never forget! There were so many people cheering you on, you never felt like you were on your own, which was such a boost when you felt like giving up!  

What was your highlight of the day? 

I think if I’m being honest, crossing the finish line knowing I didn’t have to run in that heat anymore! Also seeing Gordon Ramsey cheering everyone on was pretty cool!  

What was your biggest challenge? 

The heat! It was so hot, I felt like I couldn’t cool off even though there were showers and loads of water on the course. 

Would you run another marathon?  

Most definitely, it was such a buzz!  

What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?  

DO IT !!    

Sophie Buckle

What was running the London Marathon like? 

It was incredible! Running the London Marathon really was the cliché, there is no feeling like it! The crowds just carried you the whole time. It was so wholesome!  

What was the atmosphere like on the day? 

It was electric and everyone around was just on your team. I spent time helping others, checking in on complete strangers, I even watered two rhinos!  
 
The highlight for me was unexpectedly seeing my partner and Dad at mile 24, the Marathon emotions are the real deal!  The crowd didn’t let me hit a wall, the biggest challenge has been the stairs in my house since I got home! 

Would you run another marathon?  

I’ve already got sights on my next marathon. It was an absolute pleasure to run representing the charity, the shirt got a lot of attention being so brightly coloured and it gave me the opportunity to chat to people about what World Horse Welfare does. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?  

Absolutely do it, the support was great from start to finish. If you don’t, I would again in a heartbeat!  

Steven McKay

What was running the London Marathon like? 

Running the marathon on my birthday was something special that I will never forget. Having my name on my vest was a great idea as it felt personal with the amazing crowd shouting words of encouragement and support directly at you at vital moments when you needed that extra boost, a fine example of true British spirit. 

I had packed 15 jelly babies – three to consume every 5 miles – and I only ate three of mine as the crowd seemed to hand me their jelly babies at each point I needed them oddly. It was as if I’d placed them there myself. 

What was your biggest challenge?  

My biggest challenge was like most people – miles 21 and 22. I feel that was the point I let a sub four-hour finish time go. However, I felt great and I beat my time by 10mins that I thought I’d achieve, coming home at 4hr 05mins. 

What was your highlight of the day?  

My highlight of the day was of course getting that medal round my neck and a pint after and a quick trip to Hyde park with my son to round off a very special birthday. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year? 

I’d recommend running the marathon to anyone thinking about it, and there’s no better charity for horse lovers to represent than World Horse Welfare.