Over £52,000 Raised: Runners Take on the TCS London Marathon 2025 for Youth Sport Trust

An inspiring weekend of athletic achievement across the ages, incredible fundraising efforts and powerful reminder of the benefits of sport and play.

In an unforgettable weekend in London, the Youth Sport Trust charity was proud and delighted to be supported by our biggest ever team of runners - 23 amazing individuals - taking on the TCS London Marathon 2025, raising vital funds to transform the lives of children and young people through sport and play. 

The runners were cheered across the finish line by Youth Sport Trust’s CEO, Ali Oliver MBE, who celebrated every moment of their inspiring efforts. Amongst the team running to support Youth Sport Trust were: 

  • Alex from our partners Sports Directory, who smashed his fundraising target by nearly 50%, raising almost £3,000 so far. 

  • Luke from the Wimbledon Foundation, proudly representing one of the Youth Sport Trust’s key partners. 

  • Hannah from the Guyana Women’s Football Team, who brought elite sporting spirit to the streets of London. 

   

Adding to the celebrations, the runners even received a shoutout during the BBC’s marathon coverage from the charity’s patron and multiple Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, highlighting just how much their incredible efforts were noticed and admired.  

Ali also attended the TCS Mini London Marathon, where 18,000 children and young people took part in a truly inspirational event. With the opportunity to experience the thrill of running part of the marathon course, the young participants showcased the power of sport to uplift, empower, and inspire. 

Reflecting on the weekend’s events, Ali said: 

"What an incredible event! The atmosphere across the weekend was electric and it was utterly inspiring to see so many special moments; from children digging deep for one last sprint, to friends crossing the line hand in hand, with wheelchair users and runners of all abilities showing immense spirit and courage. At the Youth Sport Trust, our mission is to build brighter futures through the power of play and sport – and this weekend, that mission came alive in the most wonderful ways." 

The Youth Sport Trust team also met Dot the Mini Marathon mascot at the TCS London Marathon Running Show. While Dot spread smiles and motivated the young attendees, the Youth Sport Trust team spread awareness of the importance of achieving 60 active minutes every day, emphasising the vital role physical activity plays in keeping children engaged, healthy, and active. 

The Youth Sport Trust would like to thank all 23 runners, their supporters, every donor, and everyone who believes that when we play, life gets better. 

 

Feeling Inspired? 

Want to be part of something incredible in 2026? You can express your interest in running the London Marathon for the Youth Sport Trust here: Express your interest 

Or enter the public ballot and raise whatever you can for the charity: Enter the ballot | London Marathon Events 

Every step the runners take helps build a brighter future for children and young people.  

Published on 29 April 2025