London Marathon 2024: Support Shaan!

14th February 2024

Much of Earthwatch Europe’s work wouldn’t have the impact it does without public support, including the wonderful fundraisers who have run (or walked) the London Marathon for us. Hear from our marathon runner Shaan why he chose to join our team this year.

Why did you decide to run the London Marathon this year? What made you choose Earthwatch as your charity to support?

It has always been on my bucket list to run a marathon. Having recently moved from Australia to London, the London Marathon became the one I really wanted to do! There were two main reasons why I chose to support Earthwatch Europe. Firstly, I work as a Sustainability Consultant and I am passionate about doing all I can in my career to help solve the climate crisis that our planet faces. To me, it was a no-brainer to raise money for a charity also dedicated to helping the environment. I was particularly drawn to the fact that Earthwatch bridges the gap between helping the environment and engaging local communities. Secondly, as both an Australian and British citizen, I wanted to raise funds for a charity that was based in the UK and in Australia. Earthwatch fits that requirement, and I am excited that my fundraising efforts will be split 50/50 between Earthwatch Europe and Earthwatch Australia.

I work as a Sustainability Consultant and I am passionate about doing all I can in my career to help solve the climate crisis that our planet faces. I was particularly drawn to the fact that Earthwatch bridges the gap between helping the environment and engaging local communities.

Have you taken part in the London Marathon (or a similar fundraising event) before?

I have never taken part in the London Marathon before, so I’m very excited to have the opportunity to do so this year. I have run fundraising events before, including partaking in a running event known as 4.4.48, where I ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours.

What fundraising events have you organised to reach your marathon fundraising target?

I am currently planning a work fundraising event that will involve a bake sale and afternoon tea in our offices. Additionally, in a couple of weeks, my partner and I are hosting a dinner party for our friends. Once the weather warms up, I am going to arrange a football match between my friends.

How is the marathon training going? What do you like best / least about it?

My training is going well! I have the goal of running the marathon in under 3 hours and 30 minutes. In September last year, I ran the London Big Half in 1 hour and 36 minutes, so I am on track, although I definitely feel the difference between marathon training and half marathon training. The best thing about the training is seeing myself getting fitter and making progress. The worst thing is the regular long runs that I must do in often very cold weather.

How can people support you with your fundraising challenge?

I encourage support through donations on my Enthuse fundraising page:

£15 could buy vegetable plants for an urban school as part of Green Earth Schools.
£25 could buy freshwater quality testing kits for our FreshWaterWatch volunteers.
£50 could support our community monitoring events at our Tiny Forests.

Pupils transforming their school grounds as part of Green Earth Schools

Why is climate change such an important issue for you?

I think above anything else, solving the climate crisis is such an important issue for me, because it’s a global issue that affects everyone. It is not limited to a certain demographic or certain region of the world. While it may feature heavily in politics, it will affect everyone regardless which political side you align with. When push comes to shove, this world is the only one we have and I think we have a duty to protect it.

Inspired to take part?

Applications for the London Marathon 2024 are now closed. Contact our Fundraising Team today to register your interest for the London Marathon 2025 and join our team next year.

What we offer our fundraisers

Personal support via email from our Fundraising Team
Training tips from a qualified running coach
Virtual meetings and exchange with other runners
Free runners vest sent ahead of the event
Cheerful support from Earthwatch staff members on the event day

Discover more ways you can support our environmental work.