Last weekend two incredible runners, Emma and Ollie, completed their first London Marathon races for OitC, and you could be next with registrations to run for us in the 2027 marathon now open! Hear what both runners had to say about the experience:
Emma
After struggling with my fuelling and nursing a pretty significant hip injury, I was incredibly nervous and anxious at the thought of running a marathon- the goal was to pace it well, complete the 26.2 without walking and all being well ….sub 5 hours ✅
In challenging conditions with brutal heat, the day went perfectly! Everything just clicked 🎉
The atmosphere on the course was something else - so much so that music in the ears wasn’t required - I’m not sure I would of heard it anyhow!
The London Marathon is as special as everyone says it is. It was very emotional. So many people running for someone they lost on their vests or a cause they care so deeply about. The reason why was everywhere.
They said the victory lap is worth all the blood sweat and tears of the hundreds of miles pounded to get here! And they were not wrong! A day I'll never forget.
A huge thank you to my husband and kids allowing me to run for hours to get to the start-line. To Ospreys in the Community for the opportunity. To everyone who has donated - you are so appreciated. To all messages received wishing me luck or congrats and all the INCREDIBLE humans who left a voice note via rally - they really helped get me round!
Bucket list ✅
One and done - sub 5 - officially in the 1% club! 🏅
Ollie
Sunday was unforgettable—an incredible experience, but without doubt one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever taken on. The first half felt strong and controlled, but around 22–25km an old ankle injury came back to life and turned the day into a real test of resilience. From that point on, it was all about digging deep and refusing to give in.
There were moments between 25 and 35km where stopping felt like the easier option, but the atmosphere of the London Marathon was something else entirely. The crowds were unbelievable—every cheer, every shout of encouragement carried me forward when my body wanted to quit. Those final kilometres were as much mental as physical, and the support around the course genuinely pulled me through to the finish.
I’m incredibly grateful for the support of Ospreys in the Community for giving me the opportunity to run, and to everyone who donated—it meant a huge amount. A special thank you to Lizzy my partner for being there every step of the way.
One marathon, done—and quite possibly my last.
