There’s a reason so many people want to run the London Marathon: it’s because of the electric atmosphere and the enormous sense of achievement that comes at the end.
If you’re running this year, we want you to have the best experience possible, so we asked the amazing members of Team Barnardo’s who ran it last year for their advice on making the most of the day.
We’ve got advice on how to cope with the final few weeks in the run up and what to do to manage logistics you can read in our One month to go: Advice from last year’s London Marathon runners blog. Here, we’re going to share what last year’s runners wish they’d known as they stood at the start line and how they kept their legs moving through the 26.2 miles.
What would you tell yourself on the start line if you could go back?
"I’d tell myself not to be nervous and just take it all in. You’re about to take part in one of the best marathons in the world, and it’s such an incredible experience."
Lucy
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
"If I could go back and speak to myself on the start line, I would say: “Relax and enjoy the moment. Trust in your training and try as much as possible to stick to it. And remember that you are worthy of your place at that starting line."
Anthony
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
There was also lots of advice about focusing on enjoying the experience rather than trying to get your best possible race time.
Don’t get caught up at the start going too strong, be disciplined in your miles and times. I had my fastest 5K, 10K and half marathon and it took its toll mile 19! Pace yourself.
Paul
part of the team at Adecco, one of our corporate partners. Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
Don’t let a good time ruin a good time! You’ve done all the hard work, the marathon is a celebration, don’t get so caught up in the time you want that you forget to enjoy the journey and atmosphere.
Jake
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
Let the crowd power you along
The atmosphere was incredible; being pushed along by the crowds while running for such an important cause was hugely motivating. Thank you to my team, friends, and family for supporting!
Serge
from our corporate partner Allianz. Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
"I didn’t fully appreciate just how powerful the support from the crowds would be. The encouragement from other runners and the incredible London spectators played a huge role in keeping me going, especially when things started to get really tough. At certain points I even switched off my music just so I could hear the crowds. Their energy and encouragement pushed me on more than my playlist ever could.”
Anthony
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
“Everyone had prepared me for the atmosphere, however truthfully seeing a city the size of London stop and support every single runner really made my heart feel full. From stops with sweets and juice to signs with real meanings.”
Becky
Team Manager for a Barnardo's residential service, Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
Running the London Marathon was one of the most surreal, emotional, and joyful days of my life. My favourite thing about it? For one day, you’re basically a celebrity. Your name is on your bib and thousands of strangers are screaming it like you’re headlining Glastonbury. Kids line the barriers with their hands out for high fives. People hold up hilarious signs. Bands are playing. The noise carries you.
Jo
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
"If you have people supporting you, agree on miles to see them – 7 miles, 14, 21 – stop and hug say hello, to see my children and wife was a massive pick up and helped me push forward, as they have help and supported you in so many ways to get this far."
Paul
"If really lucky, place a friend round the course – my bottle of Lucozade and seeing family at Barnardo’s second cheer station was a real lift."
Steve S
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
Don’t fancy running but want to be part of the London Marathon?
Take the opportunity to make friends
From striking up friendships in the toilet queue to encouraging other people running at the same pace. Take the opportunity to get support from people in the same boat as you.
"One of the most memorable parts of the race actually came from an unexpected friendship. Early on during the marathon I started chatting to another runner. We realised we were running at a similar pace and decided to stick together. What started as a quick conversation turned into us running the entire marathon side by side, from the start line all the way to the finish. Encouraging each other through the tough miles made the experience even more special. It reminded me that even though running can feel like an individual challenge, you’re never really alone out there."
Ryan
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
Remember why you’re doing it
When things get tough, it’s good to think about why you’re running the race. If you're a member of Team Barnardo's, the money you're raising will help make children and young people across the UK happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful.
"Running the London Marathon still to this day is my greatest accomplishment. Choosing the marathon to mark my 10 years with the charity was the best thing I could have ever done especially raising money for the boys in work that I love with all my heart. Being a residential team manager is the greatest job in the world, working and supporting Barnardo's is the best job in the world."
Becky
Team Manager for a Barnardo's residential service, Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
"What made a big difference for me though was getting to see the why and the work Barnardo’s do. We had an early call with a lady who had adopted and been supported by Barnardo’s, it became real. On our training day, we met Becky who manages a children’s home in Aberdeen. She was running the marathon, but more importantly she gave us a real insight into how Barnardo’s supports so many."
Steve S
Team Barnardo's member and London Marathon finisher.
Last year, Team Barnardo’s London Marathon runners raised an amazing £459,125! We couldn’t be more grateful to them for helping us change childhoods and change lives.
Impressed by what our 2025 London Marathon runners achieved? If you're not running, you can still be part of the day by helping power the class of 2026 all the way to the finish line. Your support keeps spirits high and legs moving when the miles get tough.
Sponsor our 2026 runners today.
One month to go: Advice from London Marathon runners
We’ve gone back to last year's runners to ask them: what do you wish you’d known four weeks before race day? From coping with tapering nerves to navigating race-day logistics read their honest, practical advice to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready for the big day.
Up for a fundraising challenge?
Do you want to change someone’s childhood while having fun and raising money? Whether you want to run, walk, bake, skydive or something else, choose from a range of activities or plan your own with the help of our fundraising resources.
How the money you raise can help change childhoods and change lives
Everyone deserves to feel like they belong: valued, supported and full of hope. And that’s how we aim to make everyone who comes through our doors feel. Find out how we use the money people like you raise to change childhoods and change lives.