More than a race, the London Marathon brings people together from every background, each with their own reason for taking on 26.2 miles through one of the world’s busiest cities. From first-time runners to experienced athletes, tens of thousands took to the streets on Sunday, supported by crowds lining the route from Greenwich to The Mall. Every mile tests resilience, preparation and focus, with runners adapting to changing conditions, shifting pace and the constant movement around them.
More than a million people have completed the course over the years, each adding to the event’s remarkable legacy of commitment, endurance and personal achievement. The event also plays a significant role in supporting charities, with participants raising over £1 billion to date and using the challenge to support causes that matter.
For OCS colleagues, taking part reflects the same qualities seen throughout our operations every day. Commitment, consistency, and the ability to keep moving forward under pressure. These are the foundations that support safe, reliable, and high-quality service for our customers and communities.
This year, five colleagues stepped up to the start line and saw it through to the finish.
Iona Cassie
Iona took on the London Marathon after securing a late charity place in December, committing to a focused 16-week training plan through the winter. Race day brought heat and pressure, but she stayed disciplined, holding her pace and finishing strong, with a sub-4-hour finish.
The final kilometres tested her resilience, yet the support around her and the reason she was running kept her moving forward.
Her motivation came from close to home. Running for Parkinson’s UK charity in honour of her dad gave every mile meaning. With more than £20,000 raised, the experience became about more than the finish line. It was about family, resilience, and showing what steady determination can achieve.
“I kept seeing signs saying, ‘remember your why’, and that stayed with me. There’s nothing harder than what my dad faces, so I just kept going.”
Group HR Advisor
Jerry Haldane
Jerry’s marathon journey began with a commitment, not just to run, but to make a meaningful contribution through his role and wider ESG focus.
Running for Action for Children in partnership with our customer South Western Railway, Jerry focused on supporting vulnerable children and families across the UK. His approach was steady and grounded in accountability, following through on what he had set out to do. The experience reflected a clear belief in community, responsibility, and delivering on commitments, even when conditions shift.
“It was always about showing up, doing what I said I would, and making a difference where it matters!”
Account Director – Cleaning Transport
Oliver Garett
Olly approached the marathon with a simple goal: to finish. With limited training time of only 12 weeks, he set off at a steady pace and felt comfortable through the first half. At mile 18, things changed. Severe cramp slowed him down, and the final miles became a test of endurance rather than pace.
What carried him through was perspective. Running for a charity supporting Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Oliver took strength from his daughter’s experience. Along the route, the crowd, fellow runners, and small acts of kindness created a difference. Supported by our customers at British Airways, Virgin, and DNATA Catering, he crossed the finish line alongside another runner supporting the same cause, a moment that reflected the shared purpose behind the day.
“My daughter has been through more than I can put into words. When it got tough, I just thought about her and kept moving.”
Operations Director – Cleaning Transport
Jane Strange
Jane balanced months of training with work, family life, and the demands of winter running, building up from half marathons to the full distance with the support of a close group of friends. This was her third London Marathon, each one approached with greater experience and confidence, and she is now considering a fourth marathon in a different city. Long training runs evolved into a shared routine, with others cycling alongside to support hydration and offer encouragement. That sense of unity carried through to race day, where the atmosphere, the crowds, and the stories of other runners served as constant reminders of why the effort mattered.
Running for Everton in the Community gave Jane a clear purpose. Through her role, she sees firsthand how the charity supports people into employment, improves access to opportunities, and strengthens local communities. Crossing the finish line was not only a personal achievement yet a reflection of the combined effort behind the fundraising and the impact it will continue to have.
“On the course, you see the signs telling you to remember your why, and that really stays with you. When it got tough, I thought about the people we’re supporting and the difference the charity makes every day. That’s what gets you through.”
Account Manager – Everton FC (Private Sector FM – Venues)
Kelly Clifford
After completing a half-marathon in 2025, Kelly started training in January, building up gradually despite the cold and the challenge of those early runs. This was her first London Marathon, completed independently and with determination, raising money for the MS Society, a cause close to her family. From canal paths to city streets, the shift in terrain and the unexpected heat on the day added to the challenge, but the encouragement from the crowd, as well as the shared energy of the event, helped her keep moving forward.
Reaching the finish line in 5 hours and 45 minutes marked a significant personal milestone, alongside surpassing her fundraising target. The experience has already shaped what comes next, with Kelly applying to run again and setting her sights on improving her time, driven by both personal challenge and the impact of the cause she supported.
“There were moments where it felt really tough, especially when I ran out of water, but the crowd kept you going. People you don’t even know are cheering you on, telling you to keep going, and that really lifts you. When you’re running for a charity that means something to you, that’s what helps you get through.”
QHSE Advisor
Each of these colleagues balanced training with their day-to-day responsibilities, showing discipline over time rather than in a single moment. That same discipline reflects how strong outcomes are delivered across OCS: through people who prepare well, support each other, and see commitments through.
Their achievements also reflect the event’s wider impact. Many runners take part to support charities, raising significant funds for causes that matter to them and their communities. This extends the marathon’s value beyond the course itself, creating a lasting contribution.
