‘The support and atmosphere at the marathon were unreal, it was a day I’ll never forget’: reflections from our #TeamUoB 2025 London Marathon runners

A huge congratulations to our incredible #TeamUoB runners who recently took part in the 2025 London Marathon – a truly unforgettable year for the world’s most iconic race. Not only did 56,640 finishers cross the finish line on The Mall, setting a new Guiness World Records title for the most marathon finishers ever, but together, participants raised over £75 million for charities – the highest total for any one-day annual fundraising event in history! 

We’re proud to say that our amazing team of University of Bristol alumni and staff runners were part of this momentous achievement, raising over £12,000 in support of the Healthy Minds programme – a service that pairs students facing mental health challenges with mentors and tailored physical activity plans to help them take positive steps toward better wellbeing. 

Thanks to their hard work, dedication, and the generosity of supporters, even more students will now be able to benefit from the transformative power of movement, community, and support. 

Read on to hear our runner’s reflections from race day. 

Sophie Spencer (BVSc 2020), alumni  

‘Running the London Marathon was a dream of mine, something I’d often thought about but the race day far surpassed any expectations I had – and to be able to raise money for Healthy Minds made it all the more rewarding!  The team at Healthy Minds do such vital work to help make a difference to students lives; I know first-hand how much of a positive impact exercise can have on someone’s wellbeing. I can’t thank enough those who organised this unreal opportunity, everyone who donated to my fundraising page and those who came out to support me on the day. The support and atmosphere at the marathon were unreal. It’s a day I’ll never forget.’

 

Jack Edwards (MEng 2012), alumni 

‘I had the best day – although the heat made it tough, it was an incredible experience.   

A few moments stand out for me: turning the corner to see the Cutty Sark and hearing a wall of noise, Tower Bridge with supporters, Limehouse and the Rainbow Mile with big crowds, music, huge flags on lampposts and someone shouting after me: “Hey he’s running for Bristol Uni, go on Jack!”‘

 

 

Keely Hohmann, staff  

‘What a day! The crowds were incredible, and the organisation was slick. Running amongst 56,000 in the heat around London was a day to remember!  

I was in over my head when I signed up for this, two runs deep into couch to 5k in fact. But I didn’t shy away from it and the past 8 months have been transformative. I struggled as a student, to get outside and out of my head. I’m so proud to be part of this fundraising drive to encourage more students to access support available to them, with confidence and self-kindness.’

 

Jane Blazeby (MBChB 1988), alumni and staff  

‘Training for my first ever marathon felt like having a second full time job. I’m so pleased to report that the effort paid off and, despite the warm weather, I ran it all. It has been an incredible experience. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity and the chance to connect with all the kind people who sponsored me. I just entered the ballot for next year.’

 

 

 

Elliot Reed (BA 1994), alumni

‘Running the London Marathon was a lifelong ambition, and I am so proud to have run for and raised money for Healthy Minds. Every step of the way was an emotional rollercoaster — from the heady high of lining up and running downhill (yes, downhill!) for the first few kilometres, to the joy of hearing my name — ‘Elliot!’ — shouted by the crowd, and the fist bumps when spectators connected with ‘Brizzle University.’ 

There were unforgettable, tearful moments too: passing the Cutty Sark and hearing the roar, running over Tower Bridge, and beginning to feel the pain as we wound our way through Canary Wharf. It was a tough run on a hot day, and the iconic final stretch along the Thames – past Big Ben and down towards the finish – was gruelling, to say the least. But what a feeling crossing that line!’