Our CEO is taking on the 2026 London Marathon! 🏃‍♂️‍➡️

With the 2026 London Marathon on the horizon, we caught up with our CEO to talk about training, motivation and what it really means to take on one of the most iconic races in the world.

Q: What made you decide to run the London Marathon for the second time?

I always said after the 2018 London Marathon that I’d never do it again, yet somehow I’ve found myself entering the ballot year after year. There’s something about it that keeps pulling me back, the challenge, both physical and mental, is hard to ignore. And beyond that, the London Marathon has such a unique reputation; it’s not just a race, it’s a full experience.

Q: For people who might not know much about it, what makes the London Marathon so special?

It’s hard to overstate just how big it is. You’ve got tens of thousands of runners from all walks of life, all taking on the same 26.2-mile course through one of the most iconic cities in the world. Then there are the crowds - people lining the streets for hours, cheering on complete strangers. It’s not just a race, it’s a huge community event.

Q: How has training been going so far?

I wouldn’t say it’s been perfect, but I’ve built up to half-marathon distance and I’m really pleased with my times so far. Having completed it back in 2018 with very little training, I’m expecting it to feel much more manageable this time around. I’m also counting on the crowd to help carry me through the second half.

Q: Do you have a specific goal time in mind?

My last time was just under 6 hours. I would be over the moon if I achieved a sub 5 hour time. The main goal is to finish and enjoy it. It's such a big event that I don't want to get too caught up in the numbers and miss the experience.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge so far?

Consistency is the biggest challenge. With three children, all busy with after-school clubs, and managing my son’s youth football team, finding time to train isn’t always easy but I fit it in wherever I can. When I do get out for a run, it’s a chance to switch off and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Q: The marathon is known for its charity aspect. Are you running for a cause?

Yes, that’s a big part of the motivation for me. I’m running for the Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital, which means a great deal to both me and my family. They do incredible work supporting seriously ill children and the people around them.

Keep an eye out for bib number 29547 this Sunday and if you’d like to support Aidan, you can do so via the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/aidan-saunders-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL