Meet our 2022 Marathon runner Will, who tackled the iconic 26 mile course in aid of FTCT.  In this special post-race chat with Will, we share his experience running the London Marathon.

If you have a link to the UK fashion and textile industry and you're passionate about raising vital funds to support families across the sector, find out more about our Marathon place for 2027. 

What was running the London Marathon like? 

It was incredible. Running with thousands of people through the streets of London is a totally overwhelming experience. It got tough towards the end as your legs start to go, but it was such a great feeling to get over that finish line in the end.

How did you feel on the day?

I was quite nervous going into the race, even though I'd done months of training, so I just had to remind myself that all the hard work was already done and to try and enjoy the experience as much as possible! 

Describe the scene for us - were there any London landmarks you passed that you enjoyed seeing the most?

I think running over Tower Bridge was a personal highlight for me. To run over such an iconic bridge with thousands of supporters cheering was really special.

What helped you to stay motivated along the route?

One thing that really motivated me to keep going when it got tough was thinking about the funds I had raised for the FTCT. Some of the heartwarming videos from their website stuck with me and were very inspirational. Seeing my friends and family along the route also gave me a huge boost.

Your employer, M&S match funded your efforts, how did that come about? 

Whilst fundraising I learned that my employer offers a programme where they matched selected charity fundraising efforts up to £1,000. I decided to put in an application and to my delight my application was selected! It boosted my efforts by an extra £1,000 which was brilliant.

Do you have any tips or advice for someone thinking of entering the race next year?

My main tip for anyone running a long-distance race, no matter the distance, is to not go out too fast, stay hydrated, and to let your training speak for itself. And most importantly, try and have fun!

---

Feeling inspired? 

We have access to spaces for the 2027 Marathon, so why not join our team! Find out more or share with a friend.