London Marathon 2025: Support Sasha!
29th January 2025
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. This year, we are excited to see our Director of Science & Policy, Sasha Woods, take on this epic challenge.
Why did you decide to run the London Marathon? And have you taken on similar fundraising challenges before?
I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for years, but never been lucky enough to secure a place – until now! I’ve run half marathons and Tough Mudders for other charities that have been important to me – the National Eye Research Centre, which funded my PhD research in retinal development, and Beat, which provides incredible resources for people struggling with eating disorders. This year, I’m excited to do my bit for Earthwatch Europe and conquer 26.2 miles in the process…
What made you choose Earthwatch Europe as your charity to support?
I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to say I love my job, working with Earthwatch Europe’s Science team, and I absolutely believe in our mission to connect people with nature and provide them with the tools they need to fight for our planet.
A good example that really puts that mission into action is The Great UK WaterBlitz. This biannual citizen science campaign calls on everyone to go out and test the quality of their local rivers, streams and lakes.
We launched the Great UK WaterBlitz last year in May, and repeated the campaign in September. Shockingly, 61% of data points across the UK showed poor water quality with significant regional variation. At the same time, it was really hope-inspiring to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds join the fight for healthy fresh water, helping us collect valuable data and build a picture of water health in the UK. This is why I wanted to do all I could to support it!
Coincidentally, our next WaterBlitz campaign weekend (25-28 April) is also when the London Marathon takes place (Sunday 27 April), so I’m very excited to be running and water testing – not all at the same time though!
Sasha and Blue taking part in the Great UK WaterBlitz
I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to say I love my job, working with Earthwatch Europe’s Science team, and I absolutely believe in our mission to connect people with nature and provide them with the tools they need to fight for the planet. A good example that really puts that mission into action is The Great UK WaterBlitz.
How is the marathon training going? What do you like best / least about it?
It’s slow but steady progress. I ran 11 miles at the weekend and I have my first half marathon coming up in the first week of February. I like being able to monitor my progress (that’s the scientist in me!) – noticing my fitness improving, that I’m able to run further and faster than I could before. Training sessions in the rain haven’t been fun. But running with my dog, Blue (the unofficial mascot of the WaterBlitz), has been great! It’s like having a fluffy, four-legged personal trainer.
How can people support you with your fundraising challenge?
I encourage support through donations on my Enthuse fundraising page. Thinking of how donations could support this year’s Great UK WaterBlitz campaigns:
- £6 can cover the cost of one water testing kit.
- £12 could buy your own water testing kit and pay it forward for another WaterBlitz participant.
- £24 and more can really help us boost our campaign and makes you a Freshwater Hero!
Inspired to take part?
Applications for the London Marathon 2025 are now closed. Contact our Fundraising Team today to register your interest for the London Marathon 2026 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.
