Six wonderful runners took on the TCS London Marathon to fundraise for us this year. Between them they raised an astonishing total of more than £9,000.
We caught up with them after the event to see what running the iconic route was like and if they would do it again. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Shawn, Val, David, Lauren, Nick and Simon for tackling this epic event for World Horse Welfare.
Nick Grice
What was running the London Marathon like?
Running the London Marathon was an experience I’ll remember for so long. It meant so much seeing all the support, the beautiful stories of people running and the city of London itself!
What was the atmosphere like on the day?
It was electric! From Cutty Sark onwards it was so loud and amazing I could barely hear myself think at points. It was so overwhelming, in the best way, having people shouting for four hours straight.
What was your highlight of the day?
It was probably running down Embankment past the London Eye on the final mile or so. Hearing the roars and knowing how close I was just made it so special.
What was your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was probably with my shin. Throughout training I’d been icing constantly and having regular physio sessions to cope with shin splints so I could keep training without too much pain. Twice during the marathon it got quite bad but both times I had to relax and tell myself it would ease – which it did, and I carried the whole way round with no walking breaks, which I was very happy with.
Would you run another Marathon?
I’d absolutely run another marathon! I have big aspirations to complete the 6 major marathons and others!
What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?
Running the Marathon for the amazing World Horse Welfare was an incredible experience that I can’t recommend enough. It meant so much to run this amazing run for such a great cause!
Shawn Overall
What was running the London Marathon like?
Running the marathon was an incredible and unforgettable experience. The atmosphere and support from the crowd was overwhelming, which really helped me push through the tough moments.
What was the atmosphere like on the day?
It was spectacular — it was great to see everyone cheering each other on and there was so much support.
What was your highlight of the day?
My highlight was running with lots of inspirational people. Looking at all the different reasons why people were running and the amazing charities that people were supporting was great to see and be a part of. I also loved seeing my little boy cheer me on throughout the day.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge on the day was getting cramp after mile 13 and having to push through the physical pain.
Would you run another Marathon?
Yes, I would love to run another one. After all my hard work and dedication to training, the marathon was my victory lap and I loved it.
What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?
I would say get organised with a training plan, to be prepared physically but also enjoy the moment — it’s an incredible experience.
Lauren Davenport
What was running the London Marathon like?
The marathon was amazing!! I’m still buzzing even though I’m crippled currently. The atmosphere is insane, and Tower Bridge was definitely my favourite part of the run — the sidelines were rammed with supporters and running over the bridge was incredible. I’d definitely, 100% run a marathon again.
What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?
Anyone who is thinking about running for World Horse Welfare, I would urge them to do it, it really is an unbelievable experience that can’t be explained until you’ve done it yourself.
David Banfield
What was running the London Marathon like?
It’s been a long time since I last ran a marathon and I had not considered running another until recently, but sometimes things happen, and you throw caution to the wind.
I’d forgotten how much time it consumes, how bad the English weather can be and how generous my friends are. Then, before you realise it, you’re standing at the back of 30-minute queue waiting for a portable toilet in Greenwich Park. Luckily, it’s too cold to be nervous as you slowly get closer to the start line.
What was the atmosphere like on the day?
No sooner have you crossed the start line and the crowds appear and they never leave the side of the road. They laugh and joke, inspire and encourage you for the entire 26.2 miles. Bands play, children high five and there is an endless supply of jelly babies handed out by strangers to strangers. Then you overtake a man carrying a fridge, or Batman and Wonder Woman sprint past, London never disappoints.
What was your highlight of the day?
The highlight was the last 600 metres, turning the corner onto The Mall, Buckingham Palace behind and the finish in sight. The crowd screamed, making the final steps seem quite easy.
What was your biggest challenge?
On reflection the biggest challenge is convincing yourself to do it in the first place.
Would you run another Marathon?
Would I do it again? At the moment, the answer is no but I said that after running New York 15 years ago, so let’s just wait and see.
What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?
As for future World Horse Welfare marathon runners, my advice would be to start training as early as possible. Also, don’t consider a pantomime horse costume. Simon started in the blue section, and I started in the red, so one of you might be running with the horse’s bottom.
Val Cumberpatch
What was running the London Marathon like?
The London Marathon is a totally unique sporting and fundraising event and it’s great to be just a tiny part of it and to see the effort people go to, to raise money for their charities. The crowds and support are just mind-blowing, and I will never forget the noise from the supporters crossing London Bridge.
What was the atmosphere like on the day?
Like everyone says, the crowd and atmosphere out on the course is amazing and fair play to all the people who are out there all day cheering everyone on.
What was your highlight of the day?
It would have to be hearing my daughters shouting ‘Go on Mum, we’re so proud of you’ but also going through the underpass where there was a drumming band playing. The sound echoing round the tunnel was spine tingling.
What was your biggest challenge?
I really battled with cramp in my right calf at mile 18 and this meant I kept stopping to stretch it, so I ran the last eight miles in quite a lot of pain through gritted teeth. I had hoped for 5h30 – 5h45 timewise but it really slowed me down. I managed to tuck in behind a 6-hour pacer for the last few miles, who was amazing, and he got me to the finish. My time was 6h03.
I saw so many people struggling with injuries and exhaustion and I felt like I could have kept going had it not been for the cramp, so I guess I was quite well prepared (for an old person!).
Would you run another Marathon?
I will, no doubt, run more marathons. This was my fifth, but I wouldn’t run London again because for me I found all the ‘extra’ expense — hotel, travelling and logistics — a bit too much. The logistics of actually getting to the start and home again afterwards was a lot to contend with on top of the actual run! My next marathon will consist of parking at the event, running, getting back in the car, going home!!
What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?
I am so grateful to have been offered the opportunity to run for World Horse Welfare because without that I could have been entering the ballot unsuccessfully for the next 20 years! The pressure of fundraising is a lot, but it helps to focus your mind on the day and I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has a passion for horses. So many people have remarked on it being such a worthy cause.
To anyone who hasn’t experienced London, I would say definitely go for it but be prepared for all the added pressure of fundraising and logistics. If you are not familiar with London it can be very overwhelming and a challenge in itself but the actual day is like nothing else you could imagine.
Simon Brown
What was running the London Marathon like?
Tough. I’m very pleased I put in all the long winter training months. I definitely agree with the concept that the marathon is really the last 6 miles —the dark, wet, cold winter runs paid off when I got to mile 20!
What was the atmosphere like on the day?
Amazing! Especially near to The Mall. I’d been wearing headphones but couldn’t hear any music over the sheer sound of cheering and live music and drums. Fabulous!!
What was your highlight of the day?
Seeing my band of supporters along the way, cheering me on — and bumping into some of the other World Horse Welfare runners at the finish line.
What was your biggest challenge?
Digging deep and making it to the end without walking. Despite what the voice in my head was telling me!
Would you run another Marathon?
Now, yes. Directly afterwards, never again!!
What would you say to anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for World Horse Welfare next year?
Go for it, but make sure you do all the training beforehand.
If you are feeling inspired to run for us in the 2025 TCS London Marathon please email us via supporterfundraising@worldhorsewelfare.org
All of our wonderful fundraisers ensure we can work across the full spectrum of the horse world in the UK and around the world to improve welfare and the horse-human relationship.
