Just a day after local runners joined tens of thousands of other people to pound the streets of London, Guernsey Mind has announced that it is one of the lucky charities to be given a guaranteed place in next year’s London Marathon.
The event is one of the biggest fundraisers in the world and yesterday’s run saw more than 55,646 people cross the finish line making it the largest mass participation event
Knowing how inspirational the London Marathon is, Guernsey Mind entered the charity ballot and recently found out it has been allocated a place next year.
Chief Executive, Jo Cottell said all money raised by whoever runs it for Guernsey Mind will stay in the island.
“We decided to enter the charity ballot with the hope that we might get a place,” she said.
“We were absolutely delighted when we found out we were one of the 500 charities chosen to get a guaranteed place. There are 1,400 registered charities for the London Marathon that you can chose to fundraise for. Previously, funds raised by Guernsey runners selecting ‘Mind’ would be directed to the national charity. With this guaranteed place, all fundraising efforts will directly support our local initiatives.”
Anyone who’d like the chance to run the London Marathon for Guernsey Mind will need to apply using a form on the charity’s website.
Whoever is chosen will then need to raise a minimum of £2,500, said Ms Cottell.
“We aim to raise a significant amount to further our work. This unique opportunity includes guaranteed entry to the event, along with comprehensive support, such as a branded running vest and assistance with publicity and fundraising.
“We encourage applications from both experienced and novice marathon runners and will provide support to our selected runner to assist with their training,” she added.
“We are excited to offer this opportunity to a local participant to fly the Guernsey flag and represent Guernsey Mind at this prestigious international event. If anyone thinks the marathon is a step too far for them, we’re also encouraging people to sign up for our Investec 10K challenge on 31 August!”
This year’s London Marathon saw numerous people from Guernsey take on the 26.2mile challenge.
The first Guernsey person that we know of who crossed the line was Ethan Woodhead, in 2:43.
He was followed by Chris Norman in 2:58 and Clint King in 3:03.
King’s wife Vanessa King was the first Guernseywoman across the line in 3:10, with Woodhead’s partner, Lindsay Sword finishing in 3:37.
Other Guernsey runners that we know of who took on the 2025 London Marathon include Robert Green, Steve Le Flem, Simon Murphy, Emma Clayton, Jo Jaloweic, Soo Wellfair, Donna Allen, Sarah Ozanne, Anastasia Hardwick, Jodie Hicks, Ellie Hicks, Kate Walford, and Charlotte Smart.