The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible, with the Spread a Smile cheering team (including our very own Chief Executive, Lucy Jackson), joining in the fun and helping to keep our runners motivated at our Mile 6 dedicated cheer point. The celebrations continued at a post-race meet and greet at Hackney Marshes.
Our friends from Clarksons shared their motivation for supporting Spread a Smile and taking part in the challenge, saying: “Clarksons is a truly diverse organisation, with our demographics stretching across all ages, ethnicities and social backgrounds. However, one thing remains the same across all of these, we all have children in our lives which we care very deeply for – whether it be our sons, daughters, cousins, nieces, or nephews – and we at Clarksons all wish for nothing but the best for the young people in our lives.
“With that in mind, it is important to remember those not as fortunate as our loved ones, children who do not have the same opportunities to thrive and enjoy their younger years that others are afforded. This is why we chose to support Spread a Smile, a charity that aligns with our values here at Clarksons and allows us to help children who deserve the world given their truly unfortunate circumstances.
“Through our fundraising, we have been able to reflect on ourselves and the fortunate positions we, and the children in our lives, may find ourselves in. We hope our efforts in fundraising for this wonderful charity bring joy and happiness to those who most deserve it – and provide much needed relief to children and parents alike, even if just for a day. It really is a pleasure to be able to partner with yourselves and represent Spread a Smile in the Hackney Half 2026.”
Join #TeamSmile today
Feeling inspired? Sign up to join Team Smile for the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 11 October 2026 here and take on your own challenge in support of Spread a Smile.
