The University has secured four charity places for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, to raise funds for our flagship scholarship initiative, the Futures Fund.
There’s a £100 registration fee, and you’ll need to raise a minimum of £1,750 (though we’d love it if you raised even more!). It may seem challenging, but we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
To support you on your journey, you’ll receive:
- Training support from
- A free running top for race day
- Promotion and plenty of encouragement!
If you would like to represent the University’s Futures Fund at the 2026 TCS London Marathon you can APPLY HERE.
Closing date: midnight 30 September, 2025. The successful applicants will be informed on 7 October.
In April 2025 alumnus Mark Learmouth completed the London Marathon after battling Guillain-Barre syndrome. Just a year after being rendered paralysed by this serious neurological disorder, Mark took on the challenge, showcasing his remarkable resilience and determination.
Mark said: “Running this marathon was not just about me; it was about the University as well.
“I followed the beginners guide to London Marathon on their website which has you running three times a week and you slowly build up to the distance.”
Mark supported by the team at CitySpace, and admits that due to his illness he found it very difficult at first.“I lost a lot of muscle mass, so I tried to do weights three times a week as well and then have one day off.
“I loved the weights rather than the running! I ran alone so found that quite boring.”
Mark, an Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner at Sunderland Royal Hospital, smashed his fundraising target of £1,750, raising over £3,300 for the Futures Fund.
“I just used my own social media platforms, and the Uni were amazing. They sent out my story across the world and I got a lot of donations from people I didn't even know.”
Mark completed the marathon in 4 hours and 43 minutes, all the more remarkable considering less than a year before this he was paralysed by Guillan Barre syndrome, and watched the 2024 London Marathon in a rehab hospital.
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the London Marathon, but not really the run!” admits Mark.
“But it was definitely worthwhile doing, and I’m so happy I did.”
The TCS London Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic races, covering 26.2 miles through the heart of London, past famous landmarks, and cheered on by thousands of spectators.Already secured your own place in the London Marathon?
You can still run for the Futures Fund and enjoy the same support as our charity runners. If you'd like to represent us and support our mission, Please note, all runners are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs for the event.