Reflections on London Marathon 2026:
Our incredible runners share their experiences of an unforgettable day

With the London Marathon 2027 Individual Ballot results due out soon, we asked some of our London Marathon runners from this year to tell us a little about their experience of running the London Marathon for Juvenile Arthritis Research. 

We were honoured to have had five incredible runners in the London Marathon in 2026 who had secured their own individual ballot space and chosen to support Juvenile Arthritis Research; Jay, Oliver, Ruby-May, Lindsey and Phil. Amazing Anne-Lise also ran the London Marathon ‘My Way’ virtual marathon on the day and two mini-marathon runners, Saraya and Frasier, took part in the TCS mini-marathon the day before. Having this many truly incredible individuals supporting Juvenile Arthritis Research on London Marathon weekend was beyond anything we could have imagined!

It was Team JAR’s very first experience of being at the London Marathon in-person and what an experience it was. To be able to soak up the atmosphere that was so imbued with meaning; there was a sense of encouragement, joy, reflection, excitement, achievement, pride, support, camaraderie and a whole heap of emotion thrown into the mix. 

Every single person taking part had a reason to be there – something close to their heart – whether it was overcoming their own personal challenges, running as a dedication to a loved one, or running for a cause that meant a lot to them, each person had their own individual mission that day. Bring all those people together to run and it makes for a magical and memorable experience. 

I just wanted to do something that shows him - and other children like him - that people care

Oliver was one of those running that day and he told us “Running the London Marathon for Juvenile Arthritis Research was very personal because of my son James. It’s a small charity supporting a condition most people don’t even realise affects children and seeing what he dealt with made every mile feel 100% worth it.  I just wanted to do something that shows him - and other children like him - that people care and increase awareness and support of the condition.” 

Every conversation, every social media post and every fundraising effort helps challenge those misconceptions and shines a light on the reality of JIA.

Lindsey’s London Marathon experience ended up being a continuation of an incredible journey she began last year. Lindsey has written this wonderful piece about her experience of the day: 

“I nearly didn’t ask for sponsorship for the London Marathon 2026.  I did a big running challenge in 2025 (#10MilesADayForJIA for 26 days in April followed by the Manchester Marathon) to raise funds and awareness for JIA so it felt uncomfortable to be asking again just a year on.  In addition, running is my ‘thing’.  It is my constant to help me deal with all things life throws but particularly parenting a child with JIA and chronic pain… bad news = run, struggling to cope = run, frustration navigating the ‘system’ =  run! However, in addition it is now helping me with raising awareness and charity support.

In the build up to London so many people were asking for my sponsorship link so with only a week to go I shared it and I’m so pleased I did, once again being humbled by the support, concern and encouragement we received.  I am truly grateful for all donations, raising almost £2.5k for Juvenile Arthritis Research and contributing to ongoing vital work in raising awareness, supporting families and funding research that brings hope for better treatments and, one day, a cure. 

My daughter, Gertie, was diagnosed with JIA at six years old. Like many people, I had never heard of childhood arthritis before her diagnosis. Since then, we have learned first-hand about the pain, uncertainty, hospital appointments, medications and resilience that come with living with JIA.  Since her symptoms started at the age of 5, Gertie has rarely been entirely pain-free, now having been diagnosed with chronic pain as well.  We continue to work with the professionals to try to find the correct treatment and remain hopeful that one day she will be able to experience a life without pain.

Standing on the start line, I carried my months of training but also the stories of children and families affected by this condition. The impact of the crowds this year was immense and I was reminded why awareness matters so much – so many charities, so many individual stories and reasons for people to run which inspires and can move you to tears at times. Arthritis is often seen as something that affects older people, yet thousands of children across the UK are living with arthritis every day. Every conversation, every social media post and every fundraising effort helps challenge those misconceptions and shines a light on the reality of JIA.

This marathon was tougher than I expected. There were moments during the race when I had to dig really deep to keep going, but that was when my mind turned to all the children I’m aware of with JIA, their stories and the strength they are required to show every day.  Children with JIA don't get to choose when the challenge starts or ends; they simply keep going. That perspective carried me through the harder miles and I am always grateful of how fortunate I am to be able to run.”

The work you guys do is utterly unmatched!

Ruby-May made some incredible memories and says “Thank you so very much to everyone at JAR! It was such a wonderful day, I will remember forever. 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to run for such a brilliant Charity! Thank you for your support throughout and for everything you do for kids living with Juvenile Arthritis! I found out I had arthritis at 15, so it was an absolute honour to be a part of the London Marathon 2026 -  the work you guys do is utterly unmatched!” 

Ruby-May is living proof that even with a diagnosis of JIA, young people can go onto do amazing things including running marathons. 

We also owe a huge thanks to the members of Team JAR who came along to show their support on the day. With thanks to Josh who was our proud flagbearer all day long, Selma who was a super cheerer of everyone running past, Richard who hopes to one day run the London Marathon for JAR himself, Rebecca and Trinity who both live with JIA themselves and had to pace themselves by joining us later on to show their support. 

Once the ballot results are known, if you or anyone you know, manages to secure an individual ballot space for London Marathon 2027 and would like to run to support Juvenile Arthritis Research, please get in touch.  Our volunteers will be there to support you every step of the way as you plan and prepare! 

(Please note that as a small charity, we were unable to secure any charity ballot places for 2027. We will keep trying as we do so every year.)