The London Marathon returns this Sunday for its 46th year, bringing tens of thousands of runners through the capital in one of the world’s biggest annual fundraising events, writes Myfanwy Fleming-Jones…
Since 1981, it has raised more than £1.4 billion for charity, and once again Southwark will be well represented along the 26.2-mile route.
At the heart of this year’s local stories is Bermondsey runner Kevin Downey, who is preparing to take on his 37th London Marathon.
Now 67, Kevin has become a familiar face both on the course and among the crowds. He first ran in 1987, inspired by the premature birth of his daughter Maisie, and has since raised more than £170,000 for children’s charities.
A former pupil at Scott Lidgett School, Kevin says the atmosphere in his home patch remains one of the highlights.
“The crowds are amazing, especially in Bermondsey and up to Tower Bridge. It is a special feeling,” he said.
This year he will run alongside Sara Booker from Sidcup, who is taking part for the fourth time. The pair met through their support of Millwall FC and are fundraising for Home For Heroes, which supports veterans facing homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder. Together they have raised £2,500 so far.
Despite the physical demands, Kevin describes the marathon as much as a social occasion as a sporting challenge. Over the years he has built a tradition of stopping to greet friends along the route, often pausing at pubs as he passes through familiar streets.
Family has also played a central role in his marathon journey. Running alongside his son Ross during his 35th race remains one of his proudest moments.
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“You say you will never run again, but once you are over the aches and pains you want to go back,” he said.
“I still get nervous and emotional as if it is the first one. It is a fantastic day.”
Kevin is aiming to reach 40 London Marathons by the time he turns 70, although he admits he has set similar targets before and carried on regardless. He has only missed two races in nearly four decades, one of them when Millwall played Wigan at Wembley in the FA Cup final.
His advice to first-time runners is simple: “Take your time and enjoy the day. Make sure you have a camera and take photos of all the main attractions you run past.”
Donate here: Kevin Downey is fundraising for UK HOMES 4 HEROES PRIDE & PASSION
Other Southwark runners going the extra mile
Kevin is far from alone in representing the borough this weekend, with dozens of runners taking on the challenge for causes close to home and heart.
Ralph Wilson, also from Rotherhithe, is attempting a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in a gingerbread costume while raising £2,500 for The Childhood Trust.
“Child poverty is on the rise,” he said. “As a father to a young daughter, I’m very aware of the opportunities I can give her, and that many children won’t have.”
Donate: The Childhood Trust: Run, Ralph, Run
Nineteen-year-old Harry Norton, from Rotherhithe Street, is fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital after his sister Rosie was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour as a baby.
“It wasn’t easy for anyone in my family,” he said. “I’m going to smash this marathon for my sister, my family, and for all children facing difficult circumstances.”
Donate: Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH): Harry up and donate
Luke Kennedy returns to running after 17 years to support the Love Like Luke Memorial Foundation, created after the death of 19-year-old Luke Joshua Gibson in a motorcycle accident earlier this year.
“As someone who has experienced the love and kindness this family shares, running the marathon is a small way of helping them do something extraordinary through unimaginable pain,” he said.
Donate: Love Like Luke Memorial Foundation: London Marathon for Love Like Luke Memorial Foundation
Jade Dowsett-Roberts will be running in honour of her Bermondsey-born father, DJ Robert “Bobby” Roberts, raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK following his diagnosis last year. Bobby, alongside DJ Kevin Sage, is part of a long-running marathon day celebration on Brunel Road in Rotherhithe.
“After growing up watching my dad spur on the runners, I finally get my dream of running past him myself,” she said.
She is encouraging locals to join the atmosphere at mile 11 on Brunel Road.
John Field, a Year 3 teacher at English Martyrs’ RC Primary School in Walworth and MC at St George’s Cathedral, is running for CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.
Donate: John Field is fundraising for The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
Ronnie Palladino is running for Rotherhithe-based charity Time and Talents.
Donate: Ronnie Palladino is fundraising for Time and Talents
Rhino suits and record attempts
Southwark-based charity Save the Rhino International will have 40 runners in this year’s race, including seven in full rhino costumes.
Among them is Edward Ndiritu, Head of Anti-Poaching at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, who hopes to highlight the work of wildlife rangers around the world.
“More than a million rangers walk vast distances every day in harsh environments to protect wildlife,” he said. “By running in the rhino costume, I can bring visibility to their work.”
Also taking part are Chris Green, known as “Rhino Boy”, who will complete his 200th marathon, and Finlay Barritt-Cross, who is aiming for a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in a rhino costume.
Donate: Save the Rhino International: 2026 London Marathon
More local efforts
Chris Terrill will complete his 15th London Marathon and 53rd marathon overall in support of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
He previously set a Guinness World Record for running a marathon on crutches.
“This is my way of saying thank you,” he said, “and of standing alongside the sailors, marines, veterans and families who have shaped my life.”
Donate: Chris Terrill – Proudly Fundraising For RNRMC – JustGiving
Ben Scanlan, a 41-year-old psychotherapist from Southwark, will be running his seventh marathon after securing his first ballot place. He has also spent the past 18 months working to establish a junior parkrun in the borough, with its first event set to take place the same weekend.
George Sweeney is running for Whizz-Kidz, which supports young wheelchair users with equipment and services.
Donate: George Sweeney is fundraising for Whizz Kidz
From seasoned runners like Kevin Downey to first-timers and record-breakers, Southwark’s presence at this year’s London Marathon reflects the event’s mix of personal challenge, community spirit and charitable fundraising.
As the runners pass through Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and beyond this Sunday, they will once again be met by the crowds that Kevin says make the day so special.
