Keep on running
On 27 April, a five-strong team will run the London Marathon to raise funds for the Runnymede Trust. It includes senior researcher Serena Robinson, her friend Seun Seriki and former Runnymede Trust interim co-CEO Laurence Jay, alongside Justin Dieobi-Anene and Harrison Galliven. Here they explain why they decided to take on the epic 26.2-mile challenge – and why they need your support.
Serena Robinson
This is my second time running the marathon. I was pretty adamant that I would never run it again in a million years after last year, but there is something I love about training, structure and being strict with myself. I’m also running it this year with two of my closest friends, Harrison and Seun and I know they’ll keep the laughs and morale high as we trot our way around London town.
I chose to raise funds for the Runnymede Trust because for over 50 years, Runnymede has been fighting and researching to challenge structural and systemic racism in Britain. I am fortunate enough to have been working in the research team since May 2024. In that time, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from misogynoir to housing, health and wealth. Being able to raise money for the organisation will allow us to have more power and autonomy over conducting research and policy outputs.
As we speak, the state of the world is pretty bleak with colossal humanitarian crises going on in Congo, Palestine, Sudan and Haiti to name a few places, as well as far right sweeping across Europe. To top it off, we have Donald Trump spouting divisive hate. Here in the UK, there is the aftermath of the race riots of last summer and an increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Being able to run the marathon for Runnymede will help to challenge everything that is going on in the UK and bring it to public attention.
Seun Seriki
Running a marathon has been a long-standing goal of mine, one that felt both exciting and daunting. But when the opportunity to run the London Marathon for the Runnymede Trust came up, I knew it was the perfect motivation to take on the challenge.
A huge inspiration for me has been one of my best friends, Serena, who works at Runnymede and ran the marathon last year. Seeing her take on such a huge challenge and fundraise for a cause she cares so deeply about really encouraged me to do the same. When she invited me to run this year, I knew I had to go for it.
I chose to support Runnymede Trust because its work in racial justice and equality deeply resonates with me. As a woman of colour, I understand the importance of dismantling systemic barriers and creating a fairer society for all. Running for a cause that aligns with my values makes every mile feel even more meaningful.
Laurence Jay
Training has been tough, but it’s also been a lesson in resilience. Whether it’s pushing through long runs or staying consistent, I remind myself that this effort contributes to something bigger than me. Race equity, much like marathon training, requires endurance, persistence and collective effort.
I’m running the London Marathon for the Runnymede Trust because I care deeply about tackling racial inequality, which sadly continues to be entrenched across society. I had the privilege of being part of the Runnymede Trust team for two years, so I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the work – pushing for policy change, amplifying underrepresented or silenced voices, delivering impactful programmes and ultimately making sure racial justice stays firmly on the agenda.
On a personal level, this marathon is a huge challenge. I’ve always been fairly active, but until last year, I’d never have described myself as a ‘runner’. Now, as I approach the big (for me) life milestone of 40, it felt like the right time to take on something meaningful. Running 26.2 miles is hugely daunting, but knowing I’m doing it for a cause I believe in and supporting the brilliant team at Runnymede in their work makes every training run worth it.
It’s also a way to give back. Small social justice charities like Runnymede rely on individual supporters to keep going, especially as funding becomes more uncertain in these divided times. I hope this run not only raises money but also encourages more people to get behind their work, supporting their plan to push for more individual giving.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Runnymede Trust.
Join the fight for racial justice: support the Runnymede Trust’s work by making a donation.
Main photo © IR_Stone/iStock
