Runners take on iconic marathon for our donkeys

In the bright spring sunshine, our amazing team of intrepid fundraisers took on the 26.2-mile course through the heart of the city on 21 April with one goal in mind – raising funds for donkeys.

One of our runners, James Khan from Edinburgh, even wore a donkey-themed costume around the whole course. His outfit efforts didn’t go unnoticed as novice runner James attracted cheers and applause from the thousands of spectators lining the route.

The iconic event first took place in 1981. It has become one of the most popular marathons in the world, and takes in some of London’s best-known landmarks, including Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

Another runner from Team Donkey Sanctuary, Gary Jackson from Preston, found the whole experience amazing. He said: “The support from the crowd, my fellow donkey runners and from the charity was great.”

He added: “I felt a real sense of pride to run for The Donkey Sanctuary.”

Experienced runner Andy Craig from Grimsby said: “I just remember how enthusiastic the crowds were. They were brilliant and so loud that sometimes I couldn’t even hear my music, but they helped me run faster.”

Andy added: "It was a great day and a fantastic experience, and raising over £2,000 for The Donkey Sanctuary really was the cherry on the cake.”

For Paul Harding, the London event was his first attempt at running a marathon and had only ever run shorter distances before. By his own admission Paul found the training tough, but despite a slight a knee tweak early in December, he recovered well and enjoyed the day.

Paul, who is originally from Stoke-on-Trent but now lives in Liverpool, said: “I have admired the work that The Donkey Sanctuary does in alleviating the plight of donkeys. Donkey welfare can often get overlooked, but they are among the most undervalued animals in the world, and I wanted to help fight this.”

Fellow runner Camilla Goodfellow grew up in Sidmouth and fondly remembers regularly visiting our Sidmouth sanctuary, so running for The Donkey Sanctuary was a cause close to her heart. Camilla now lives in London, but visits whenever she is back in Devon visiting her parents.

She said: “I love what the charity stands for and the fantastic work that they do. It has been amazing to see the changes up there over the years.”

Camilla has been running since her school days, and it is still a part of her life that she absolutely loves. Her running also takes her to events around the world. In October, Camilla will take part in the Chicago marathon, followed by the Paris half marathon early in 2025.

So far, our amazing team of eight runners have raised more than £13,000, but it is hoped that figure with reach in the region of £16,000 when all sponsorship has been collected. It is through the incredible efforts of people like these that we can continue to reach donkeys and mules who are most in need.

Rose Huxham, Community Fundraising Officer at The Donkey Sanctuary, added: “I am always in awe of our amazing fundraisers who take part in the London Marathon for our donkeys.

“This year is no exception, and the efforts and comradery shown leave us all here feeling so proud of each and every one of our runners. Thank you Team Donkey Sanctuary!”