We are incredibly proud to introduce the four intrepid runners who will be taking part in this year’s London Marathon to raise money for the Panathlon Foundation.
Each of them represent one of Panathlon’s funders or sponsors.
Meet Team Panathlon – in their own words!
Ellie Cloves from RBC Brewin
I first found out about Panathlon last year, after starting to work for RBC, as they are one of our charity partners. It is so important that children with disabilities and SEN can get involved in sports and compete with others. Sport has really benefited me throughout my life, and I believe that sport – and a bit of healthy competition – can have such a positive impact on people. Ultimately, helping to give more people the opportunity to partake is why I wanted to raise money for Panathlon, hopefully the money raised can help someone access the wider benefits that sports offer.
I started running the day I found out that I had a marathon place, so definitely no marathon before for me! Last year I did a 100-mile bike ride, and I have rowed in Celtic longboats competitions for the last few years, but I was never great at running so a marathon was never something I thought I would do. However, when the places came through, I was inspired to try and do something completely out of my comfort zone and whilst raising money for a charity that have such a positive impact on people around the country. Now, I’m really enjoying running (which has never been something that I thought I would say) and getting a bit too competitive with myself on Strava. Training is going well, and I am already feeling the nerves/excitement for Marathon Day!
Kedi Huang from Aspen
I found out about Panathlon through the company I work for, Aspen.
I know first-hand how transformative sport can be. Moving from China to the UK at the age of 16 on my own was a huge transition. It was a time of excitement, but also a time where I had to find my own path in a new culture. Looking back, I was incredibly grateful for one thing that helped me settle in and grow: access to sport. Being able to represent my school and universities in basketball and football didn’t just train my physicality. It enabled me to build friendships with people from all over the world and, perhaps most importantly, it trained my mental resilience.
This will be my first-ever marathon.
Victoria Karpinski from JSS
I found out about Panathlon when a couple of speakers came to our office to talk about their experiences in sport and how Panathlon had changed their lives for the better. It brought quite a few of us to tears! I’ve run Amsterdam and San Sebastian marathon before so am by no means an expert. Training in the dark, cold, and often wet weather this winter has been interesting!
Georgina Stevens from the Woodland Group
I first found out about Panathlon through my work at Woodland Group, where Panathlon is one of our longest-standing and closest charity partners. Seeing the work they do and the impact they have made them a charity I’ve always admired.
Panathlon is an absolutely amazing cause. Sport has played such a big role throughout my childhood and into my adult life, and I truly believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the confidence, enjoyment, and sense of belonging that sport can bring. Supporting Panathlon feels like a really meaningful way to help make that access possible for all.
This will be my very first marathon, which makes running the London Marathon for Panathlon even more special.
