This year, an incredible team of runners is taking on the London Marathon in support of United Through Sport (UTS), raising vital funds to help us use sport to empower children and communities across the world.
From long-time ambassadors and former staff to travel partners and past volunteers, this team represents everything UTS stands for: passion, perseverance, and the belief that sport can transform lives.
Meet the inspiring people running for UTS in 2025. Each of our runners has their own personal reason for taking on the London Marathon, and now you can be part of their story too.
Click the names of our runners, or their image, to donate to their individual fundraisers. View all fundraisers here.
By donating, you are directly helping United Through Sport continue delivering life-changing programmes for children and communities around the world.
Whether it’s £5 or £50, every contribution makes a real difference.
Together, we can turn miles into impact.
UTS London Marathon Team Co-Ordinator
Tom was involved with UTS in its earliest years, working in Port Elizabeth, South Africa between 2006 and 2008 when the projects were first developing. He helped coordinate programmes and volunteers while supporting the growth of the organisation alongside its founders.
For Tom, the London Marathon represents something truly special. With over 50,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators, it celebrates everyday people achieving extraordinary things. Tom first ran London in 2009 and has been chasing that same feeling ever since. Now, with 25 marathons and four ultramarathons completed, his passion for running remains as strong as ever.
His favourite races include the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa, which he has completed twice, and the legendary Comrades Marathon, a 90km ultra he finished in 2015. After the race, Tom looks forward to seeing the runners cross the line, knowing just how powerful that moment is. He expects tears, laughter, and plenty of celebration.
Tom is an essentaal part of the team, acting as a mentor for our first time London marathon runners.
UTS 2026 London Marathon Team
Beth first volunteered with United Through Sport South Africa in 2022 and returned again in 2024 when she organised a university boxing trip. Over the past few years, she has shown incredible passion and commitment to UTS, and running the London Marathon is another meaningful step in her journey with the charity.
She has been running for several years and has always dreamed of taking on the London Marathon. The atmosphere, the crowds, and the opportunity to run for a cause she truly believes in make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Her favourite running memories come from the Bournemouth half marathons – her very first races – which she runs alongside her boyfriend and close friends. Their tradition of pasta the night before and frozen yoghurt after the race has become a special yearly ritual.
After crossing the finish line, Beth is looking forward to celebrating with a cocktail, a slice of cake, and a pack of ready salted crisps.
John has been an ambassador for United Through Sport for over 11 years and has raised more than £25,000 for the charity. He has supported UTS by managing donated kit from Team GB, the Paralympic Association, and British Athletics, ensuring it reaches the communities who need it most.
Running the London Marathon is a lifelong goal for John and a personal milestone in his 50s. His love of sport runs deep, having competed for Wales in the 800m during the early 1990s and as part of the winning British Colleges cross-country team in 1993.
After the marathon, John plans to continue growing his passion for running and challenge himself in new ways, bringing the same dedication he once had for elite cycling into this next chapter.
Emma works for Gap 360, a long-term partner of United Through Sport, and now plays a key role in supporting travellers of UTS programmes. Her connection to UTS comes from helping people take their first steps into life-changing volunteer experiences.
After becoming a mum, Emma set herself the goal of proving that big dreams don’t stop after becoming a parent. She began with Couch to 5K and gradually built up to half marathons. The London Marathon now marks her biggest challenge yet.
Her favourite race to date is the Hartfield Honey Run Half Marathon, a tough and hilly route through Ashdown Forest, but one she describes as truly beautiful. After London, Emma is looking forward to family holidays, sunshine, and celebrating everything she has achieved.
Di previously served as CEO of United Through Sport South Africa, where she witnessed first-hand how sport can transform the lives of young people, not only physically but also emotionally, socially, and mentally. That experience left a lasting connection to the charity and its mission.
London is Di’s favourite city, and after completing her first marathon in Cape Town, she promised herself she would run marathons around the world. Representing UTS in London makes this experience even more meaningful for her.
Her most memorable moment was crossing the finish line in Cape Town and realising that months of dedication had paid off. After the London Marathon, she will celebrate her mother’s 70th birthday with a family trip to Mauritius and a well-earned break from running.
Our Why
Every mile this team runs is for a child who deserves a chance, a community that needs hope, and a future built through opportunity. They are not just running a marathon, they are running to create safe spaces, stronger role models, and brighter pathways for young people around the world.
Through United Through Sport, this journey helps children discover confidence, build life skills, and believe in what they are capable of, both on and off the sports field. What may be one race for our runners becomes a lifetime of impact for the young people they support.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we are using sport to change lives.
Want to Go Further? Fundraise With UTS
The London Marathon is just one of the many ways you can support United Through Sport through sport and challenge events.
Our Run for Charity initiative gives you the chance to turn your own goals into real impact, whether that’s a 5k, a half marathon, a marathon, or even an ultra.
If our London Marathon runners aren’t enough inspiration, we would like to also introduce past volunteer Mycka. He is preparing to take on an exciting new run in support of UTS, and in just a few weeks he raised over €2,000 by bringing his community together to support his upcoming half marathon.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could never do that,” this is your sign that you can.
Join our mission and start your own fundraising journey today.
Together, we can keep using sport to change lives.