London Marathon Runners for Blueprint for All

Run the TCS London marathon

Key details

Date: 13th Jun 2023

Author: Nyamoi El-Sebai

Type: Fundraising

Applications are now open to take on the challenge in April 2024. Read about how Nyamoi and Sameer, a married couple, who ran their first ever London Marathon this year took on fundraising, injuries and the 26.2 mile run for Blueprint for All.

Secure a charity place for the TCS London Marathon!

Apply for a charity place today! Places are limited so make sure you register your interest as soon as you can, and put as much detail on your application.

Register your interest today!

Let’s talk to Nyamoi and Sameer, a married couple, who ran their first ever London Marathon in April.

Sameer has always wanted to run the London marathon but has never been able to secure a place until his wife Nyamoi, who has a longstanding relationship with Blueprint for All since becoming a bursary recipient in 2008, suggested they apply to run for Blueprint for All. 

As a married couple of eight years with two young daughters and full-time jobs, they embraced taking on the shared challenge of conquering the 26.2-mile run. Despite the obstacles of balancing long runs with their busy work-schedules, arranging childcare, and overcoming injuries, they tenaciously pushed forward as a team and successfully completed the marathon.

Talk to us about training for the big day

“Surprisingly we really enjoyed the training! It was great to have a focus and although we only did a few training runs together it was great to have the support in each other and the sympathy when the pain kicked in! Throughout our training it was great to run through London, as it’s a city we know so well, but running different routes gave us a new appreciation for London.”

It was brilliant to fundraise for a charity that we feel so passionately about, but to also bring a greater awareness within our community about the remarkable work carried out by Blueprint For All. We recommend anyone who is interested in taking on the challenge to do it!”
Nyamoi

Both Nyamoi and Sameer endured injuries whilst training, and despite not feeling their best on the day, they let their time goals go out the window – “we embraced just enjoying the run together with no pressure, had a great day and loved the whole experience!”

How did you find fundraising?

“We loved having all the support from our friends, family and Blueprint for All during our fundraising. We did training diaries on Instagram and raised a lot of our target fundraising through this.”

“However, the highlight of our fundraising efforts was undoubtedly the quiz night we organised at our local pub. The venue was incredibly supportive and we managed to raise an impressive £1400 in just one night through the sale of quiz tickets and a raffle. The generous donations of raffle prizes by friends and local businesses truly made a difference, and the whole community rallied together to make the event fun for everyone involved.”

Would you recommend others to get involved?

“I had never run more than 10km before and actively avoided running so this was pretty terrifying but we really enjoyed training together and I don’t think it’ll be the last running we do together now.

 In total, we raised £4836 so we are super proud of this shared achievement. If we can run the London marathon then anyone can!”

Secure a charity place for the TCS London Marathon!

Apply for a charity place today! Places are limited so make sure you register your interest as soon as you can, and put as much detail on your application.

Register your interest today!