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challenge events

London Marathon 2026 success

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Spread a Smile’s largest-ever London Marathon team crossed the finish line this weekend, with 15 incredible runners completing the full 26.2 miles to raise vital funds for our work bringing joy to seriously ill children across the UK.

It was a beautiful day with an incredible atmosphere, as crowds lined the route to cheer on the marathon’s 59,000 participants, including our very special 15 who made us incredibly proud.

Every member of our team spent months preparing, fundraising and training, and their commitment and determination shone through from start to finish. Our team was dotted along the course and out in full force at the cheer points, supporting runners along the route and making sure they knew we were there every step of the way.

By taking on this remarkable personal challenge, the team raised vital funds for Spread a Smile, supporting our work bringing joy and laughter to seriously ill children in NHS hospitals across the UK. The London Marathon is an extraordinary achievement for everyone involved and makes a real difference to charities like ours.

One of our runners, Josh, shared his experience of the day:

“The heat made something already so challenging, at times unbearable but I GOT IT DONE!!! Through the many, many times I had to dig deep, I reminded myself of everybody’s incredible generosity and most importantly the real strength and resilience shown by the children and families, and the heroics of everybody at ‘Spread a Smile’. Thank you so, so, so much everyone!!”

If you have been inspired by the London Marathon, there are still places available to join us at the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11 October. It’s a great opportunity to achieve something amazing while raising vital funds to support our work.

A heartfelt thank you to our 15 incredible runners, who took on the full London Marathon and made us immensely proud with their determination, commitment and spirit. We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, cheered and supported our Team Smile runners.

To hear more about our events, fundraising opportunities and the impact of our work, sign up to our e-newsletter to stay up to date with our latest news.

Royal parks half marathon 2025 spread a smile

Team Smile takes the Royal Parks Half Marathon

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Looking for the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon? Click here for our 2026 Charity Places and Ballot Info.

Missed out on the ballot? You can still be on that start line. Skip the uncertainty of the public draw and take a guaranteed charity entry with Spread a Smile. Enjoy vibrant crowds, an incredible atmosphere, and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Its scenic, predominantly flat course makes it a fantastic choice for both first-time runners and experienced half-marathoners alike. By joining Team Smile, you’ll help raise vital funds to support our work bringing joy to seriously ill children in NHS hospitals across the country.

Read more below about our previous Royal Parks Half Marathon runners for Spread a Smile and get inspired today

On Sunday 12 October, 50 incredible runners proudly represented Spread a Smile at the Royal Parks Half Marathon – one of the UK’s most-loved running events.

Our amazing #TeamSmile runners took on the 13.1-mile route through four of London’s Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens, with every step raising funds to support our work spreading smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

Spread a Smile Co-Founder Vanessa Crocker, Chief Executive Officer Lucy Jackson, and members of the team were there on the day to cheer, support, and celebrate each runner’s achievement.

Tasha Mann, Spread a Smile Community Fundraising Manager, said

“To each and every person who ran for Team Smile – thank you. It was incredible to see such a brilliant group come together to raise vital funds for our work. We know how much goes into preparing for an event like this, the training, the fundraising, and the determination it takes on the day itself – and we hope you’re proud of everything you’ve achieved. You’ve helped us bring so much joy to seriously ill children and their families.”

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who trained, fundraised, and ran as part of Team Smile. Your support means a great deal and helps us reach even more children facing difficult times, and we hope you join us again for another challenge event in the future.

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