Lining up for the London Marathon: our remarkable runners share their stories

It’s one of the UK’s most iconic sporting events, attracting tens of thousands of runners from all around the world – from elite athletes to plucky amateurs and fancy dress thrill-seekers. The London Marathon never fails to inspire, with devoted charity runners strapping on their shoes and raising millions with every mile. 

We’re proud to have 280 phenomenal fundraisers taking on the 26.2-mile challenge for Prostate Cancer UK this year – each one of them moving us one big stride closer to a world where no man dies from the disease. 

So we’re saying a huge thank you and wishing the very best of luck to everyone who’ll be proudly wearing our famous ‘Man of Men’ when they cross the start line on Sunday 27 April.  

Together they’ve already raised an extraordinary £464,000, with the figure rising all the time in the run-up to race day. 

So, who are our runners? Here are just a few of their inspirational stories ... 

Flora flying the flag in memory of dad and BBC broadcaster Bill

The morning of the Marathon will be an emotional moment for 33-year-old teacher Flora Turnbull.  

Daughter of BBC broadcasting legend Bill, who sadly died of prostate cancer in August 2022, Flora will be pounding the pavements in his memory – and supporting thousands more families who’ve also been affected by the disease. 

She says the incredible kindness and support her family received following Bill’s death prompted her to lace up her running trainers for the first time in decades. 

“From the public announcement of his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2018, my dad worked hard to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men,” says Flora. 

“As a family, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and thanks from people across the nation. And in particular those men who were inspired to learn more about their own prostate cancer risk and speak to their GP. 

“But there’s still work to be done. And now I want to play my part in ensuring his legacy of awareness and fundraising lives on. I want to ensure that everyone can keep their dads, partners, brothers, sons, grandads, uncles and friends around for as long as possible.” 

SPONSOR FLORA

Marathon veteran Michael’s record-breaking bid

A cone in the road usually signals traffic to slow down. But Michael Wiggins will be hoping it has the opposite effect when he takes on a Guinness World Record attempt on Sunday. 

That’s because the 47-year-old, a prolific marathon and ultra marathon runner, will be slipping on a six-foot orange cone outfit to complete the course this year. 

Michael, from Streatham in south London, is targeting a time of three hours and 22 minutes – a remarkable feat that would see him break the record for the fastest marathon ever completed by a traffic cone! 

“I’ve run 127 marathons and ultra marathons since 1999 – and this year will be my 18th London Marathon,” says Michael. 

“I thought it was about time I did something a bit different and try it in a fancy dress costume to raise some money along the way.” 

Michael was motivated to run for us after three of his close friends were diagnosed with prostate cancer.  

“The recent Dartford Half was the first time I’d worn the costume and I was pleased I managed a time quicker than planned,” he added. “So I’m hopeful of setting the record in London!” 

SPONSOR MICHAEL

Nigel’s pledge to carry every man each step of the way

When Nigel Strong crosses the start line on Sunday, he’ll be taking the first few strides of his third – and, he says – final London Marathon.  

It’s been 16 years since his last one, when he was carried to the car in a state of sheer exhaustion by friends and family. But he still has fond memories of the race – and what a special event it is. 

Now in his 50s, Nigel knows all too well about the importance of prostate cancer awareness. That’s because a good friend of his was recently diagnosed, completely out of the blue.  

Thankfully his friend’s cancer is now under control and not life-threatening. But the experience has motivated Nigel to take on the 26.2-mile challenge once again, more than a decade and a half after his last London Marathon.  

“Only when someone close to us receives a diagnosis like this do we realise how much we take our health for granted,” said Nigel. “As with most forms of cancer, an early diagnosis makes all the difference. I hope that through my fundraising I can increase the awareness of prostate cancer in men in high-risk groups and those around them.” 

This year it’ll be an extra special one for Nigel as he bids to complete the course while carrying a five-foot replica of our famous ‘Man of Men’ logo. 

“Can I not only raise some money but also raise the profile of Prostate Cancer UK? Will it give the charity some extra coverage? I hope so!” 

SPONSOR NIGEL

Join our London Marathon team for 2026!

When it comes to running, there’s no event more memorable than the London Marathon. And in 2026, you could be lining up alongside hundreds of fundraisers to take on the challenge for Prostate Cancer UK. 

It’ll be a feeling like no other, as you’re cheered on by the crowds all the way to the finish line. But here’s the best part – by running for us, you’ll also be helping raise vital funds and awareness for the most common cancer in men. 

Applications for our 2026 London Marathon places are now open. Click the button below to grab your place now! 

TAKE PART IN 2026