What inspired you to run the London Marathon this year?
"Running the London Marathon has always been on my bucket list. I tried twice through the ballot without success, so this year, I decided to run for Treloar Trust, a place that means so much to me. I worked there for four years when I first moved to the UK, and it was truly life-changing. I learned so much, met incredible people, and had the privilege of working with the most amazing students. Another big reason for doing this is that I want to start a family, and I’d love to show my future kids that anything is possible if you truly want it. Even when something feels hard, you should never give up."
Have you run a marathon before, or is this your first?
"I have run a marathon before, but it wasn’t a race. About three years ago, we organized a big overnight marathon event at my local gym. I have to admit, I didn’t train for that one at all! But now, as I approach 31, I know proper training is a must. The London Marathon will be my first official marathon, and I’m excited to take on the challenge the right way this time."
What has been the most challenging part of your training journey so far?
"The most challenging part of training for me was the cold and dark winter months. I’m always freezing, so getting out to run in the cold was tough! But now that the weather is better, I have no excuses. I’m finally able to follow my training routine properly and stay consistent."
Do you have a favourite running route or training spot?
"Weirdly enough, my favorite place to run is the Winchester track. I know it might sound boring for long distances, but I love getting into my zone there. With my music on and no disruptions from roads or traffic, I can just focus on my run. I’ve completed almost all my long-distance training there, and it’s become my go-to spot."
Is there someone you’re hoping will be there to cheer you on?
"My partner will be there to cheer me on and find good spots along the course to see me. I also have lots of lovely friends who will be supporting me on the day. But what would mean the most is if my brothers, who live in Greece, manage to arrange to come and watch. That would be incredibly special for me."
What’s your go-to snack or meal after a long training run?
"After a long training run, all I want is sugar! I always grab something sweet, sugary sweets, chocolate, anything that gives me that quick fix. To be honest, I can’t say no to food in general, so whatever I find first, I eat it. After all that running, I think I’ve earned it!"
Carlos Alexandre Venâncio Baticioto
Hometown: Campinas – São Paulo
Fun fact: "I run with the RAPTEAM team, I have the best coach in the world, my friend Rafael Pereira "Rappereira”, who challenges me and always motivates me so that I achieve all my goals. "
Instagram: @Alexandrebaticioto
What inspired you to run the London Marathon this year?
"London has always been my favourite of the Marathon Majors, both because of the city, climate, challenging route and the difficulty of getting a place with it being such a popular race with so many people who dream of running this marathon, either for the first time or repeating it repeatedly.
I am thrilled to experience this moment in my life, I have been enjoying the training process since the day I got my registration, I have been living happy days waiting for the marathon day."
Is there a personal goal you’ve set for yourself during the marathon?
"Yes, I would like to beat my personal record for race time in an official marathon, the goal is to do the London Marathon with a final time below 02:39:25, I'm training a lot to live this moment."
How do you stay motivated on tough training days?
"On these days, I focus on following my training schedule, because I know it will make all the difference to overcome the difficulties on race day, making me more resilient to face the difficult situations often imposed in my life with my head held high."
If you could run the marathon alongside anyone, who would it be?
"My mother, because she almost no longer walks due to Parkinson's disease. However, she still dreams of one day being able to walk and run again, so she would be the best company in the world to run the London Marathon with me. I do not doubt she will run with me in my thoughts and heart."
What advice would you give someone considering running a marathon?
"Don't forget to have fun! Running your first marathon will undoubtedly be one of the best days of your life. Enjoy this moment, don't think about the difficulty; focus on the result, and always seek comfort in discomfort."
How do you explain Treloar’s mission to people who aren’t familiar with it?
"Treloar's is not just an organisation that helps people with a physical disability, it goes far beyond immediate or financial aid. Treloar's can restore dignity and independence to the young people assisted by them."
John Walters
Hometown: Basingstoke
Longest run yet: 20 miles
Fun fact: "My great uncle once completed the London to Brighton walk."
What inspired you to run the London Marathon this year?
"After my Mum died in 2024, I wanted to do something to honour her nursing legacy of caring for others."
What’s been your biggest motivation during training?
"A lot of support from family and friends and the competitive side of wanting to reach and exceed my fundraising target."
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself during your training?
"I don’t mind drizzle! It’s even mildly therapeutic to run in light rain and benefits my mental health to get out regardless of rain or shine."
What’s your go-to snack or meal after a long training run?
"Coconut water and a banana, preferably in a smoothie."
Do you have a favourite motivational quote or mantra?
"“Remember to run and run to remember”. Practice good running form and be in the moment and feel gratitude I have the capability to run and never forget people less fortunate than myself. Remember friends and family who have left this life, and I might chat to them mile by mile on long runs."
How do you explain Treloar’s mission to people who aren’t familiar with it?
"An outstanding facility completed focused on the care and support of children and young disabled persons. You need to read the Treloar's History to fully understand the roots and read the stories to comprehend what Treloar's means to students and their families. Being a tech geek, I also talk about the importance of technology aids for mobility and communication and safe Internet use."
Richard Clark-Lyons
Hometown: Southampton
Longest run yet: "I completed the South Downs Way 100 mile race last year (although I didn't run all of it)."
Fun fact: "I run for Portsmouth Joggers Club and am a teacher when I'm not training or racing/ parkrunning. "
How did you feel when you found out you’d secured a place in the marathon?
"I've been running properly for around 15 years now and have tried to get into London more times than I can remember so when I finally got my place it was a strange mixture or excitement and relief. I got my club's ballot place this year and there was a bit of confusion about whether it had gone to me before it was finally confirmed so it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster."
What has been the most challenging part of your training journey so far?
"Diet is a really hard part of training as I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so rationing this as much as possible is really difficult at times. I try and be as careful as possible and have certain days where I'm allowed treats and definitely eat something chocolatey after longer runs."
How do you stay motivated on tough training days?
"I've set myself a target of 3 hours this year (which is probably a bit ambitious) so that keeps me going. Plus this is my 19th marathon and I know how bad things can get if you don't train well in the build up, so getting out as much as possible is driven by that!"
What are you most looking forward to on race day?
"Enjoying the day and the atmosphere. London is a massive event and I supported Robyn in the 2022 race when she did it, so I'm looking forward to seeing things from a different perspective and enjoying the day."
How did you first get involved with Treloar’s?
"My partner Robyn teaches at the school and I've come along and visited with her on several occasions, so I've seen lots of the great work Treloar's does and the massive difference it makes in the lives of the young people there."
How do you hope your fundraising efforts will make a difference?
"I hope that whatever I can raise makes a difference in some way for the students and adults working at the school."
Sebastien Challen
Home town: Basingstoke
Longest Run yet: "18 miles this training block but have run 10 Marathons before."
Fun fact: "I'm a member of the Hatchwarren Running club and I'm a Sports Therapist based in Basingstoke. This is my first time running London Marathon and I'd love to achieve a PB this year and have extra motivation running for the Treloar's Trust."
What inspired you to run the London Marathon this year?
"Running for Treloar's has really motivated me this year and I was so excited when I found out that I had a place. I've run 10 Marathons before all over the World including Paris, Berlin, New York but this will be first at London after trying for 12 years without any success."
Is there a personal goal you’ve set for yourself during the marathon?
"I'd like to achieve a Personal Best and hoping for around 3hours 15."
What’s on your marathon playlist?
"I don't listen to music when running but often listen to the High Performance Podcast which helps with motivation."
What advice would you give someone considering running a marathon?
"I would recommend running a marathon to anyone and make sure they enjoy the training. That's the best part as you feel super fit and the marathon itself is the parade lap."
How did you first get involved with Treloar’s?
"I used to work at Saxon Wood school and Hollywater school when I was working for the NHS. I really enjoyed working with the kids and helping them get more mobile and independent. Lots of the children I worked with went to Treloar's as well and was amazing for them."
What does supporting Treloar’s mean to you personally?
"When I had the chance to raise awareness and represent Treloar's at London I was over the moon."