‘I was beaten by a man dressed as a microphone’…our (tired) CEO Harry Barton looks back at the London Marathon
28th April 2026
Our CEO, Harry Barton, was among several brave souls taking on the 2026 London Marathon in support of Earthwatch. Every mile they ran helped raise vital funds for hands-on scientific projects that connect people and communities with the natural world. Despite being narrowly outpaced by someone dressed as a microphone, Harry is now the deserving owner of a finisher’s medal. Here, he shares what the day was really like.
Well what a day! I didn’t know at the time that the 2026 London Marathon would make history, with both male and female records falling thanks to the unbelievable Sabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa, and the seemingly unassailable two-hour mark being smashed. In fact, a total of 39 records were set or broken. Sadly, I was not among these supermen and women, I crossed the finish line in with a rather more sedately time of 4 hours 22 minutes. A little slower than I might have managed ten years ago, but I’m happy with that, and I can still walk (just). In case I get too smug though, it’s worth noting that among those who completed in much shorter times were the fastest person to run in a suit and dress shoes, the fastest dressed as a microphone, and the fastest in a two-person inflatable costume.
“The whole city felt like a happy carnival. With so much horror in the World, London felt like an island of everything that’s good about humanity.”
Much more important than the time though was the incredible spirit and energy of the day. I passed (or was left in the slipstream of) so many people running for charity. Not just for the big names, but for sick children, loved ones who had died before their time, innumerable deeply moving and worthy causes. It was incredibly humbling. I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for years, but I would probably never have got to do so if it wasn’t for Earthwatch, and the hard work of my indefatigable colleagues.
Right from the start in Blackheath, the roadsides were lined with people cheering us on, offering us drinks, and holding out their hands for high fives. The crowds were fairly mellow to start with, but by the time we got to central London I could hardly hear myself think for the noise they made. And towards the end of the race, when every part of my body was screaming at me, I really needed the support. It was almost as if I couldn’t stop and walk or I’d be letting the supporters down. I was also struck by the humour, evident not just in the crazy costumes people ran in, but also the signs: “Remember, this was a choice”, “Run like your mother just called you by your full name” or my personal favourite “Run faster! The Kenyans are having lunch”.
But the thing I’ll remember the most is the incredible warmth and goodwill of everyone – runners, officials, volunteers and of course the crowds of supporters. Even people not waving at the roadsides felt as if they were there with us in spirit. Strangers applauded us wherever we went after the race; people ran to help me when I collapsed with cramp in Whitehall (short lived thankfully). The whole city felt like a happy carnival. With so much horror in the World, London felt like an island of everything that’s good about humanity.
“There were some funny signs, including: “Remember, this was a choice”, “Run like your mother just called you by your full name”, or my personal favourite “Run faster! The Kenyans are having lunch…”
Equally important, your wonderful support gave it a purpose. I can’t thank you all enough. And while most of the world has been focussed on the London Marathon, quietly in the background the Great UK WaterBlitz has also been happening over the weekend, with thousands of people measuring the state of their local river, stream or water body. That’s what your sponsorship has gone towards, and we’ll be publishing the report of the findings very soon. It’s a crucial tool in pressing for the action we need to save our beleaguered rivers.
Images from top: Earthwatch CEO Harry Barton with his medal; Some of the Earthwatch team cheering our runners on the day
