Three men have committed to months of training to run the 2026 London Marathon for Guernsey Mind.
The charity was given a ballot place for next year’s TCS London Marathon, which is widely recognised as the largest fundraising event in the world – raising around £87million this year and £74m last year.
Guernsey Mind was given a ballot place for the first time allowing one runner to take part in next year’s marathon on Sunday 26 April.
That spot was given to Luke Penney after it was opened up to entries.
“We were genuinely surprised and delighted by the response,” said Jo Cottell, Chief Executive of Guernsey Mind. “One applicant even pointed out that we had 26 people applying to run just over 26 miles in 2026. The quality of submissions was impressive, ranging from seasoned marathon runners to first-timers. To keep it fair, we decided to draw the runner’s name from a hat.”
Mr Penney’s name was drawn by Lee Merrien, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Mr Penny is himself an experienced runner with several marathons and challenges under his belt.
“I’m running for Guernsey Mind because I want to promote how running and staying active can support mental wellbeing, offering a healthy way to face life’s challenges,” he said.
“Guernsey Mind is a fantastic charity providing support and resources, and I’m thrilled to support them through my fundraising and proudly represent Guernsey at the London Marathon.”
Mr Penny won’t be the only runner donning Guernsey Mind’s branding next April though.
Darren Broad and Jon Allaway both secured ballot places themselves and have chosen to support Guernsey Mind too.
“I am delighted to have been successful in the ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon and I wanted to raise money for a charity close to my heart and Guernsey Mind is providing vital support for our local community,” said Mr Broad.
“I have struggled with my mental health in the past and have been lucky enough to have received guidance and strategies to help support me. Mental health can affect us all at some point in our lives and it is important we all recognise there is help and support out there.”
Mr Allaway added: “Training for and running a marathon is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. I’m proud to be running the Marathon for Guernsey Mind and raise awareness and funds for an organisation that plays a vital role in strengthening our community’s mental health and this is the motivation I will use to carry me forwards.”
Guernsey Mind is a mental health charity which aims to support the people of the Bailiwick, encouraging a positive attitude towards mental health and supporting mental wellbeing.
Mrs Cottell said the trio of fundraising Guernsey runners will help them to do that.
“We are so grateful to Luke, Jon and Darren for choosing to run for Guernsey Mind. We look forward to supporting them in the build-up and cheering them on in April 2026.”
To find out more and follow Mr Penney, Mr Broad, and Mr Allaway’s journey go to guernseymind.org.gg.