UK Youth marathon runners’ pride at conquering London

A struggle and a privilege. Those were the tired words of one runner after she completed the 2024 London Marathon in aid of UK Youth.

Emma, who finished in four hours and 35 seconds, was part of a team of almost 40 runners who pledged to raise £2,000 each for UK Youth in return for the “privilege” of running more than 26 miles through the streets of London.

 The 29-year-old psychologist said: “I cannot believe I actually did it and am unbelievably appreciative of the opportunity. It was such a privilege to run for UK Youth and raise money for such an incredible organisation. It was such an incredible opportunity and I feel so fortunate for it.

Emma, who moved to London from Queensland, Australia, nine months ago, “to do some travel and experience working and living somewhere else”, was even interviewed live on BBC television by former Olympic sprinter Jeanette Kwakye at the 21-mile mark during the race.

“I was very out of breath and quite scattered and fatigued,” she admitted of her interview.

“This was my first marathon! I loved it, but struggled in the last 12 kilometres. Definitely seeing my partner and friends at 34km was the highlight – it gave me the push I needed to get to the end.”

About 50,000 runners covered the world-famous London Marathon course from Greenwich to The Mall. The TCS London Marathon is the largest annual one-day fundraising event on the planet, with participants raising more than £1 billion for good causes since the first edition in 1981. It is a celebration of fun, fundraising, fancy dress and amazing community spirit, and a triumph of positivity, inclusivity and togetherness. 

Emma was inspired to run for UK Youth for its work with young people.

She said: “I have been working in youth non for-profit mental health organisations for the past six years and believe strongly in providing everyone with an opportunity to live their life to their full potential. I believe support and opportunity should be accessible to everyone.

“UK Youth is an incredible charity doing just that and I was so proud to be able to raise money for the services so that work can continue.”

Other runners taking part in aid of UK Youth included fitness and lifestyle content creator Niall Kirkland, founder of The Good Bite, who was delighted to better his time from 2023.

The social media star said on Instagram: “The excitement/adrenaline got the better of me and I ran the first half too quick, risking burning out at the end, but I backed myself to hold that pace and luckily was able to do just that.

“My legs managed the distance way better this year, I only stopped once, whereas last year I stopped multiple times towards the end.

“Thank you to UK Youth for the opportunity to run London again.”

Niall finished in 3.23:32, compared with a time of 3.47 a year ago.

Neylissa Neto da Silva, UK Youth fundraising events manager, said: “This year, we had 36 incredible runners take on the London Marathon for UK Youth.

“I have been so amazed by the commitment and dedication of every one of them.

“From first-time runners to those more accomplished, they have all taken everything in their stride and trained in all climates and temperatures while raising £66,288.69 so far, with more donations rolling in every day. Go Team UK Youth.”

UK Youth is now looking for supporters to run the 2025 London Marathon. For further information about running the London Marathon for UK Youth, click here, or email Neylissa at events@ukyouth.org

About UK Youth

UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 8,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org 

UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability, including Hatch, a youth employability programme run in partnership with KFC. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes