A troop of horse lovers have shared their inspiring experiences of this year’s London Marathon (26 April) and the reasons why they chose to support equestrian charities along the way.
Showjumper Chloe Lemieux was among those taking part to raise funds for World Horse Welfare and described the race as an “incredible experience.
“It was truly unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” she said. “From start to finish, it felt both inspiring and emotional. You’re surrounded by thousands of people, each with their own story and motivation for being there, and that really stays with you.
“Seeing runners supporting one another, as well as the incredible efforts people go through for their chosen causes, creates such a powerful atmosphere. It’s more than just a race – it’s a shared experience that brings out the very best in people.”
Chloe’s highlight was crossing the finish line.
“After all the months of training, early mornings, and tough runs, that moment makes everything worth it,” she said. “There’s a huge sense of achievement and relief all at once, and it’s quite emotional knowing you’ve completed something so challenging. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Tom Brown was also running for World Horse Welfare and found the crowd support invaluable.
“People shouting your name pushing you on, gives you the strength and determination that was needed,” he said. “I didn’t have a time in mind, as it was my first but it’s definitely not my last.
“The highlight for me was running over Tower Bridge. I’d seen videos on social media but that didn’t do it justice. It was incredible.”
Freya Donovan joined the World Horse Welfare team and completed the 26.2 miles with pride.
“It was a day full of emotions and an experience I’ll never forget,” she said. “The first half was steady and I was feeling good. The second half was tough as I felt my legs giving up on me.
“The atmosphere was incredible and the support from the crowds pushed me through. The cheering, music, signs, and free snacks all made a difference. As someone who hadn’t ran before, and struggled with training I was proud to cross the finish line for the horses.
“The most important thing was giving back to the animals that give so much to us. An achievement I’ll keep forever.”
Tilly Gill also finished the challenge for World Horse Welfare.
“I felt tired but so proud of myself, the heat nearly beat me in the second half but I gave it my all to get across the finish line,” she added. “It was an incredible experience.”
‘Go Team Donkey!’
Donkey Sanctuary runner James Gilbert put injuries aside to run the distance.
“I was a bit apprehensive as I had been suffering with a bad knee, but the noise of the crowd and the adrenaline were proving to be the best pain medication once we got moving,” he said.
“By the time we passed Tower Bridge, the race really started to bite, hearing people spot the vest and shout for Team Donkey genuinely lifted the legs.
“The number of shouts of ‘Do it for the donkeys!’ and ‘Go Team Donkey!’ was crazy, with even several enthusiastic ‘EE‑OR’s’ for added encouragement.
“By the end the body was exhausted, beyond empty of energy but it felt great to have the medal placed around my neck on the Mall.”
Ruben Aaron Cencerrero got into the marathon via the ballot, but still chose to support The Donkey Sanctuary.
“I have been supporting The Donkey Sanctuary since 2024,” he said. “My amazing girlfriend gifted me a sponsorship of three donkeys that year. She did that because she knows I love donkeys. I think they are incredible animals and I feel a connection to them because, as a Catalan, our national animal is the Catalan Donkey.
“The Donkey Sanctuary do a fantastic job in rescuing and providing donkeys excellent conditions for their care and living. They also raise awareness about how donkeys are still incredibly mistreated in parts of the world and how their work help reduce such mistreatment significantly.
“For these reasons, I decided to pledge my run(and my legs and lungs!) to the charity.”
Rob Savva, 64, is an experienced marathon runner having completed 12 prior to London Marathon 2026, but this year’s event was 15 years after his last marathon race, “a scary thought, especially for my knees,” he said.
“Living in South East London an annual trip for me is to head down to Greenwich and cheer the London Marathon runners on with my partner, sons and friends,” he said.
“Other than through cheering runners I thought my marathon days were behind me, but in 2025 I spotted the Donkey Sanctuary runners and this sparked a long lost excitement to run again for a charity very close to my heart.
“I believe passionately in the work of the Donkey Sanctuary, especially their work overseas where they have grown to be world leaders in donkey welfare, as well as campaigners to end the donkey skin trade which so shocked me when I read about the 5.9m donkeys slaughtered each year for their skin, truly heartbreaking.”
Maria Vaughn was also motivated to run for The Donkey Sanctuary because of the impact they have on both donkeys and the people they support.
“This was my second year running for them, and it meant even more this time,” she said. “As an American on their team, it felt like both a responsibility and an opportunity to help spread awareness beyond the UK and be part of something bigger than where I’m from.
“Race day wasn’t just about running. It was about purpose. Every mile meant a little more knowing it was supporting something that truly makes a difference.
“Being part of it for a second year reminded me exactly why I started and why it matters.
“What really stayed with me was the strength of athletes of all abilities. Guided runners, wheelchair racers, people pushing through physical and invisible challenges, all refusing to quit.
“If you ever need a reminder that humanity is still pretty incredible, this is it.”
Running in East Africa
Brooke supporters across the UK and East Africa created their own versions of the race to raise funds for the charity.
Brooke staff in East Africa, Stephen Kiprop, Franklin Ogwankwa and James Kinyua, completed their own “MyWay Marathon” running the full marathon distance together, with every mile dedicated to working animals across the region.
Stephen, Brooke’s Digital Communications and Fundraising Assistant in East Africa, said the team made a few stops along the way, “but remember we are running for working equines who never get to stop”.
“Supporting Brooke is one way to end the suffering of these animals,” he said. “Your support, whatever the amount, helps fund critical welfare work and reach the communities that need it most.”
Franklin, a lead researcher at Brooke East Africa, said the challenge reflects the reality faced by many animals in the region.
“In the arid and semi-arid lands of East Africa, ‘marathon’ distances are a daily reality not for sport, but for survival,” he said.
“They are the silent partners in our development, ferrying water over long distances, transporting goods to market and freeing women and children especially girls from hours of back-breaking labour.
“By supporting my run, you are not just helping an animal; you are protecting a family’s income, a woman’s time, and a child’s education.”
James, Information and Communication Technology Officer at Brooke East Africa, described the challenge as “tough” but said it was about “helping to give working animals a life worth living”.
“We’re doing this for animals in Africa, but also globally,” he added.
Meanwhile in the UK, 54-year-old Kate Townsend from Farnham took on a different challenge: running the entire London Marathon route in reverse, overnight, before the official race began.
Kate, an Internal Communications Manager at Brooke, started her run at midnight on 26 April, from Blackheath to Birdcage Walk finishing a 5.30am. The effort marked her 44th marathon.
“I run a trail marathon every month, so to raise money and awareness for Brooke I knew I had to do something different,” she said. “What better than the London Marathon course in reverse?
“For me, it wasn’t about records or novelty, but about pushing myself out of my comfort zone for the animals Brooke supports.
“Every mile reflected, in a small way, the reality faced by working horses, donkeys and mules: tiredness, hunger, thirst, the need to stop and rest. It was tough, strange and ever so slightly bonkers, but worth every step.”
Across all fundraising efforts, five Brooke supporters took on the London Marathon itself, raising more than £14,000.
Brooke’s UK team is also preparing for a London 10-kilometre challenge later this year.
Lead image by Brooke
