12 incredible supporters are taking on the London Marathon for animals – meet three of them

Each of them has their own reasons for running and their own inspiring stories to tell. From a Bedfordshire dad taking on his first ever marathon in his 60s, to a vegan runner inspired by his dog, and a dedicated Kent-based campaigner taking on multiple charity challenges in 2025 – their commitment, we can all agree, is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Here’s your chance to meet three of them:

Richard, 62, from Bedfordshire – “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away”

For Richard, this will be his very first marathon - and he’s doing it in his 60s.

Running in support of World Animal Protection is especially meaningful to Richard, as his daughter works for the charity and he’s been vegan for several years. He first gave up meat in his twenties after watching a documentary about abattoirs and has always been someone who looks out for animals – including rescuing baby birds who’ve fallen from their nests.

Although this is his first marathon, Richard is no stranger to running. He’s been a regular runner for over a decade and is part of a local running club. Training five to six days a week, Richard is putting in the miles, despite a recent arthritis diagnosis and some discomfort in his knees after long runs.

But none of that is stopping him.

Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. I shall be running the marathon, whatever the case. I enjoy running and am enjoying building up to it. I live near Dunstable Downs which is a lovely place to go and there are a few fierce hills that are fun but challenging.

I am really looking forward to running The London Marathon for such a worthwhile cause. The whole event will be a great one.”

Support Richard's marathon journey

Joe, 26, from Nottinghamshire – “It felt right to run for a charity that shares my values”

Joe has always dreamed of running a marathon and he’s chosen to make his debut at one of the most iconic events in the world: the London Marathon.

A vegan runner and animal lover, Joe felt strongly that if he was going to take on this challenge, it had to be for a cause that truly meant something to him.

I have always wanted to run a marathon and the London Marathon is amongst the biggest worldwide. I thought to myself, if I am going to run a marathon, why shouldn’t I do it for something I believe very deeply in?

For me personally, it felt the right thing to do would be to run it for a charity that shares the same values as me.

Joe went vegan after adopting his dog, Bruno. Looking into Bruno’s eyes, he realised that all animals – not just our pets – deserve to live free from exploitation.

His training tip? Stretch after every run and build endurance with slower-paced, zone 2 cardio. Good advice for anyone getting into running.

You can support Joe’s marathon mission

Sam, 26, from Kent – part of ‘Runder Years’

Sam is one of 11 runners behind Runder Years – a bold, year-long campaign filled with fitness challenges to support four different charities throughout 2025.

They kicked off the year by running 10km a day every day in January. Now, Sam is preparing to take on the London Marathon for World Animal Protection – part of his mission to raise awareness and funds for causes close to his heart.

We’re proud to be one of the charities supported by Runder Years, and we can’t wait to cheer Sam on as he crosses the finish line on the 27th.

Show Sam some support

Best of luck to our runners

Every mile run helps power our work to end cruelty and suffering for animals around the world and we couldn’t do it without people like Richard, Joe, Sam, and the 9 other brilliant runners taking on the London Marathon for us this year.

Let’s cheer them all on and thank you, as always, for standing with animals.