Introducing our 2026 London Marathon Runners
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Fundraising
We’re excited to introduce our 4 runners for the 2026 London Marathon who will be running in aid of Certitude.
Whether you want to contribute to their training playlists, cheer them on the day or donate to say thank you for their commitment, we thank you for your support.
Meet Christine, one of our joint #TeamCertitude #LondonMarathon2026 runners.
Why did you choose to run for Certitude in this year’s London Marathon?
I’m a support worker for adults with learning disabilities. I understand how stretched the funding is and I've always wanted to run the marathon. It’s something that's close to my heart really, so I'm quite happy.
While training, what have you found most challenging and how did you overcome that?
With me, I always believing in myself that I can complete something. I’m doing the couch to 5K, which I've almost completed. However, during the second run of week seven, I got it into my head and believed I couldn't complete it. I then managed to do it, in fact I smashed it. Now I've completed the couch to 5K, a week and a half early. So yeah, it's always just self-belief.
Do you have any top tips for people looking to start running, or training for their first marathon?
I'm a little bit of a 'wing and a prayer' kind of a person. I did a half marathon in 2017, and all I did was train until I could run six miles one time. It all comes down to self-belief in my experience. Just keep persevering and go at your own pace, if you feel like you're going too fast on the treadmill, it's okay to slow it down and just go. Keep taking your next run as a next step forward.
How many marathons have you run and what are you most looking forward to about the London Marathon?
I ran the Brighton Half in 2017 and was quite happy with myself when I finished the race as I literally only went out for one six mile run before it.
A fun fact about yourself?
I walked over the O2 with one of the people I support. That same person had me climbing up an abseiling wall in Redbridge - I like jumping off big high things!
Support Christine and follow her journey
Meet Angel, one of our joint #TeamCertitude #LondonMarathon2026 runners.
Why did you choose to run for Certitude in this year’s London Marathon?
I really appreciate all the charity advocates for and I want to make a tangible difference to the lives of adults who benefit from the charity.
While training, what have you found most challenging and how did you overcome that?
I have found changing my lifestyle the most challenging whilst training. This includes how I spend my weekends, fitting in training time around my uni work and nursery job. A way I have overcome this is by reminding myself who I am doing this for and how rewarding it will feel for me to complete my first marathon.
Do you have any top tips for people looking to start running, or training for their first marathon?
My top tip to start running is doing a couch to 5K, it’s a gentle introduction and you will be surprised how hard you can push yourself and confidently make it to 5K in 9 weeks!
How many marathons have you ran and what are you most looking forward to about the London Marathon?
I have ran no marathons before so I’m eager to get my first one behind me. Hopefully it will spark a new interest and will be something I continue to do!
A fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about myself; I signed up for a marathon before realising how long 26.2 miles actually is - no regrets!
Support Angel and follow her journey
Meet Mathew, one of our #TeamCertitude #LondonMarathon2026 runners.
Why did you choose to run for Certitude in this year’s London Marathon?
Firstly, I really wanted to run the London marathon and as it is well known that a charity place gives you the best opportunity. My cousin Nick has run the marathon for Certitude before so I further researched the charity. As a SEND teacher I'm helping children be as independent as possible, but it is clear that support is often still needed in adulthood so I felt like we're both working towards the same thing, but in different ways which is amazing.
While training, what have you found most challenging and how did you overcome that?
Training so far has gone very smoothly. I have ran half marathons before and the training isn’t something that concerns me. I run a lot and love it. The idea of doing 30k training runs will be interesting but I will cross that bridge when I come to it!
Do you have any top tips for people looking to start running, or training for their first marathon?
The main tips I would give is to invest in a really good pair of running shoes, this will help you avoid injury. Also start very slow and remember easy runs are the most important. Too many hard workouts will cause injury and set backs. Don’t rely on headphones for runs and train your mind to be comfortable running longer distances without the need for stimulation.
How many marathons have you ran and what are you most looking forward to about the London Marathon?
I have only ran half marathons so any tips I give are more for that distance. I can’t wait to run across Tower Bridge and see my daughters supporting me. The crowds make me feel a little overwhelmed but I know it will be fine on the day.
A fun fact about yourself?
Not sure how fun this is but I have two daughters and I am a teacher. My time running does give me an escape! My daughters and I go for short runs and then we love having pastries together as a reward! I also have a Spanish wife and spend a lot of time over there.
Support Mathew and follow his journey
