They braved the North Devon hills for months of training, and last weekend, it finally paid off.
From Bideford to South Molton, our local runners took over the streets of London, proving that grit and determination run deep in our corner of the world.
Whether they were running in memory of a loved one, battling life-changing health diagnoses, or simply proving to themselves that they could do it, these local legends carried North Devon on their vests.
Between them, they have raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and life-saving research. Here is the class of 2026, in their own inspiring words.
Jodie Simmons, 27
“My name is Jodie Simmons, I’m 27 from Bishops Nympton and I ran the London marathon on Sunday with a time of 4:46:00! It was my first ever marathon and I only started running ten months ago because I was successful in the ballot. My family and friends all travelled up from North Devon to support me. The day was MAGIC and I had the time of my life! Training on the North Devon hills really helped too!”
Nikki Routledge, 49
“On the 1st May last year, at the age of 49, I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the UK with up to 20% cases before the age of 50, hence Young Onset. I will admit I was more than a little annoyed that I had this disease. as to be honest I really didn’t have time for being unwell, so in a fit of defiance I entered the London Marathon ballot.
I had run London before, in 2013 for charity, in 2019 on a ballot place and in 2021 for charity again…. but by 2025 I hadn’t been able to run for over a year – the Parkinsons made me feel like I was trying to move with my feet in sludge all the time, plus the further I went, the more drunk I would look… not conducive to running.
When the email came saying I was IN the London Marathon 2026 on a ballot place again I was more shocked than when I got my Parkies diagnosis! I met other Team Parkinson’s runners, some with family members with PD, others with PD themselves. We finished together and after 5 hours 57minutes, I was exhausted, exhilarated and a bit wobbly, full of emotions and feeling incredibly lucky to have had the London Marathon experience once more. I have raised over £5,000 – our PUK team has raised over £423,000 in total!”
Pollyanna Mears, 35
“I completed the London Marathon on Sunday and wanted to share my story with you. My name is Pollyanna Mears, and taking part in this year’s marathon was one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken. I ran to raise money for NDADA (North Devon Against Domestic Abuse), a charity that provides vital support for people affected by domestic abuse across North Devon.
This was especially meaningful to me because I am the first person to run the London Marathon in support of NDADA. I wanted not only to raise funds for them, but also to raise awareness of the life-changing work they do. NDADA supported me in the past during a very difficult time in my life, so running for them was deeply personal and a way of giving something back to a charity that helped me when I needed it most. I am incredibly proud and grateful to say that support from family, friends, and the wider community helped me raise over £1,000, more than double my original goal. Time was 5 Hours and 42 minutes.”
Georgina Prokopi, 27
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“Running the London Marathon was never really about running for me. It came at a time in my life when I felt completely lost. I suffer from something called PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), a severe and often misunderstood condition that affects mental health in a profound way.
Training for the marathon wasn’t what you’d expect either. I hadn’t done anywhere near enough. My longest run was 15 miles, and even that completely broke me. Physically and mentally, I didn’t feel ready at all. But somehow, that almost made it more meaningful. Because on the day, something shifted. Running the London Marathon gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: purpose. It genuinely gave me a new lease of life. That day changed something in me. It didn’t “fix” everything, but it shifted my perspective. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again. Finish time: 5hrs 54.”
Dan Matthews, 33
“Never done running events before and only been training for 4 months, and I smashed it for my fellow farmers. I’m a dairy farmer on the edge of exmoor, and took on the london marathon in aid of FCN – farming community network.
Being a farmer myself i see the day to day struggles that our industry has to go through. This was my way of getting the charity known around my area, especially for the farmers. This network is there for guidance, support through hard times and to help with isolation which tends to come with this industry. Mental health is ridiculously high and can relate to suicide. FCN are here to try and prevent that. BACK BRITISH FARMERS.”
Kayleigh Lee, 39
“Earlier this year, in February, we unexpectedly lost my brother-in-law, James. He was a husband, a father to two young boys, a son, a brother (to my husband), an uncle, and a very dear friend to so many people. James’s lifelong friend, Baz, also secured a place in the ballot, and together we decided to use this opportunity to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in his memory.
The marathon took place on 26th April, which would have been Jimmy’s 49th birthday, making the day even more meaningful for us all. Thanks to the incredible support from family, friends and the wider community, we’ve raised close to £11,000 so far, which is something I never imagined would be possible.”
Sophie McLaughlin, 33
“I run the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of Blood Cancer UK. In 2023 my dad was diagnosed with Blood Cancer, Polycythemia Vera. There is no cure at present but researchers are working tirelessly to try and create a cure and develop effective treatments.
I am definitely not a runner and would much rather be sat down watching it all go by with a cocktail and slice of cake but this cause means so much to me and my family. It was a super hot day, emotional and after the event just amazing. It was hard and i questioned my choices so many times on route but remember what an amazing cause i was running for got me all the way. My journey has been documented on @what_the_marathon which has a link to my just giving page.”
Simon Reid, Jeremy Rowe, Dan Cook, Anna Buck, Julia Fuery and Maggie Norgate – Bideford
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“We all travelled up to London on Saturday leaving Tiverton at 4.30 to arrive in London in time for the Reverse London marathon. We met thousands of runners at 11.30 in Trafalga square and head to the finish line of the London marathon where we started our 26.2 miles at 12.01 to the countdown. We ran through the night claiming times from 4 to 6 hrs to complete.
Finishing at the official start line just as the elite were being dropped off to start their race. And hopping on the 8.30 train back to Tiverton. 2 of our party managed to grab some £215 Puma trainers at the start in a promotional give away! It was absolutely fabulous. We even managed to be wished well on our way by Kirsty Allsop. Money raised was donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young. P.S we are all From Just Jog running group in Bideford.”
Chantal Law
“I’m Chantal Law, owner of a fitness and Pilates studio in Bideford, and I completed the London Marathon this weekend for the fourth time. This year felt particularly special, as I achieved a personal best time of 3:41, whilst balancing life as a mum to two young girls (aged 4 and 1) and running my own business locally.
The biggest highlight for me, however, was fundraising for North Devon Hospice. It’s a charity that is incredibly close to my heart. They cared for my nan back in 2006, and so many members within our studio community have also been supported by them over the years. Through a mix of fundraising efforts we’ve raised over £4,000 so far. Having my family there cheering me on was a huge highlight, especially seeing them at mile 17. A moment I will never forget.”
Kim Luscombe, 32
“Running has helped me through so much in life. I only started in 2020 during Covid, when I was nominated to run 5K, donate £5, and nominate five other people. What began with Couch to 5K gradually progressed to 10Ks, then my first half marathon in 2024, and now my very first marathon. It’s been an incredible journey!
Last year, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after two surgeries and a round of radiotherapy, Breast Cancer Now provided incredible support. That made my decision easy. I’m proud to have raised over £3,000 to support their amazing work. Sunday was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The heat was intense, but the crowds were phenomenal. I did the marathon in 4:41.”
Siobhan Westerman
“I ran the London Marathon on Sunday to fundraise for Encompass Southwest. In November 2022, following traumatic events, I found myself homeless and living in my car. As soon as I reached out to Encompass they were proactive in supporting me. Just days letter they had placed me in their accommodation, allowing me to finally rest.
I dedicated my marathon run as a tribute to the late Emma Bray. Emma dedicated her life to helping others and was passionate about standing up for causes she believed in. Before I started, I wrote her name on my arm as a reminder of why I was there. Running through the pain was extremely challenging, but seeing Emma’s name reminded me of the strength she showed every day.”
Leanne Avery
“My name is Leanne Avery and I completed the marathon in 3:46.18, raising money for Asthma and Lung UK. My Mum was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2018, which is a life long lung condition that will gradually become worse over time. Mum was the person who got me into running when I was 10 years old.
A runner herself back then, I would join her and her friends on their runs when childcare wasn’t available. I have been running ever since (26 years!) and now coach too. Eight years after first applying, I finally made it to the start line and Mum was lucky enough to be given a grandstand seat in the Mall to watch me cross the finish line.”
Mark Chaplin, 50
“I’m a 50-year-old who had a kidney/ pancreas transplant in 2017. I was running to promote organ donation, and that even after all my medical issues, I am still capable, although slow, 6:28:08, still capable of completing it. I’m sure there are very few with multiple organ transplants who even attempt running them. All with thanks to my donor family, who, without their kind gift in their hardest time, is the reason I’m here and able to do things like this.”
Candace Jewell, 50
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“I ran the iconic London Marathon last week. I did it! I ran it in 3:56:59. I was lucky to be picked out of the hat for the Bideford AAC club place and I wore my club vest with pride, but I also ran for Pancreatic Cancer UK in celebration of the life of my mother-in-law and in thanks for the love and support she gave me – Elizabeth/Liz Tracey, ‘Mother’ who was taken too soon from this horrible disease. I really am blessed with some wonderful people in my life.”
Stan Charles-Jones, 30
“This was my 5th marathon, I was lucky enough to win a place in a competition. For 2 years I have been managing an Achilles injury, but felt I could not pass up this incredible opportunity. I work at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, and so naturally, was honoured to wear their colours and raise some funds for dogs in our area.
Things got really tough for me as I contended with cramp and an adrenaline dump from around mile 18. Only my ‘C’ goal (to enjoy it) was achieved, however, my disappointment has been really softened by all the support, kind words, and encouragement that I received on the day.”