Last month, I stood on the sidelines of the London Marathon to support our pioneering CoachBright marathon runner, Stephen Liegghio, who had flown in from Michigan, USA. I had stepped into the beating heart of one of the world's most iconic sporting events. It’s far more than a race - a vibrant celebration of human determination, unity and community spirit - and the experience stays with you long after the final runner crosses the finish line.
From the moment I arrived, the excitement in the air was infectious. Crowds gathered along the route, holding flags and banners to cheer on the runners. We lined the streets: families with young children, dogs, groups of friends and individuals proudly supporting loved ones, not to mention hundreds of charities. Everyone was united by the goal of uplifting the runners as they embarked on the gruelling 26.2-mile journey.
Seasoned Runners and First-time Participants
As the starting horn echoed through the city, the atmosphere transformed. The first wave of elite runners appeared with lightning-fast strides and laser focus, earning well-deserved applause as they blazed past. From seasoned runners chasing personal bests to first-time participants nervously taking on the challenge, every runner carries a story. Some run for loved ones lost, others for causes like ours, close to their hearts. You see costumes ranging from giant bananas to superheroes, and somehow, everyone belongs. Each step they take reflects months (if not years) of preparation, sacrifice, and commitment.
Spectators don’t just watch, either - we help! We shouted names from bibs, handed out jelly babies and water, and cheered for strangers who just needed that extra push to keep going. It was a beautiful reminder of the kindness and encouragement that can emerge in moments of shared effort.
Then there’s the setting itself. The marathon route snakes through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, the Thames Embankment and Buckingham Palace, making the event a visual feast as well as a test of endurance.
I was amazed to watch Stephen complete the course in just three hours and nine minutes! What an unbelievable inspiration, particularly when I add that he is the first kidney donor to earn the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star finisher medal, and has also been dealing with heart issues related to long COVID.
And when finished, Stephen proceeded to cheer on the others!
His message to any young person who finds themselves going through tough times: “Just keep showing up and doing the work. I hope by doing that I can inspire anyone struggling to never give up.”
An Immersive and Emotional Experience
Watching the London Marathon live isn’t just a spectator event; it’s an immersive, emotional experience that leaves you feeling uplifted and connected. You come away reminded of the extraordinary potential within people when they set their minds and hearts to a challenge.
That’s why we are delighted to announce that our applications are now open for the 2026 London Marathon - and I get to do this all again next year!
How to apply for our London Marathon charity places:
Please email lesley@coachbright.org with answers to the following questions:
How much running experience do you have?
How much fundraising experience do you have? Our minimum ask is £2,500.
What creative fundraising methods will you use to reach the target?
Why does running for CoachBright matter to you? Do you have a personal connection to us, or a life-changing story to tell, or is there someone important you’ll be thinking of on race day?
We will prioritise applicants who can demonstrate commitment, a strong fundraising plan, and a passion for what we do to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Best of luck, and thanks in advance to all applicants.