London Marathon 2026: Support Gemma!
2nd February 2026
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 runner, Gemma, why she decided to take on this epic challenge.
Why did you decide to run the London Marathon? Have you taken on similar fundraising challenges before?
It has been a dream of mine to run the London Marathon for as long as I can remember. Every year I watch it on TV, get all emotional and inspired by all the fabulous people running and supporting the event and vow that one day I will do it too. Now it’s finally my turn! I have run two marathons before (Brighton 2014 and Richmond 2025) but to run the London Marathon is a real bucket list opportunity for me.
I have completed lots of fundraising events in the past, from running to skydiving. The generosity shown by others has been a great incentive to train hard and do my best. When it gets tough on race day, that support will provide the encouragement I need to keep going.
What made you choose Earthwatch Europe as your charity to support?
I am a mum to three young children who love to be outdoors. We are fortunate to live in a city that has lots of green spaces (including a number of Earthwatch Tiny Forests!) and it’s a privilege to be able to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life to retreat into nature. Whether it’s a stroll in the woods, a welly-walk in the river or a run around the park, the natural environment around us is central to both physical and mental health. Earthwatch Europe provides green spaces in cities such as mine that benefit schools and communities across the UK, which I think is fabulous!
I have a background in science so I am particularly interested in Earthwatch Europe’s citizen science projects. In addition to the local data collection opportunities such as the Great UK WaterBlitz and Tiny Forest monitoring events, Earthwatch Europe also provides career development training and capacity building opportunities for researchers, in the UK and overseas. How brilliant is that?
It is more important than ever to take positive steps to protect nature for future generations, which is why I am supporting Earthwatch Europe.
Gemma visiting Earthwatch Europe’s Tiny Forest in Downend Park.
The natural environment around us is central to both physical and mental health. Earthwatch Europe provide green spaces in cities such as mine that benefit schools and communities across the UK, which I think is fabulous!
How is the marathon training going? What do you like best / least about it?
The marathon training is going well. I had a few aches and pains after completing the Richmond Marathon in September, so I started off cautiously to avoid injury. Thankfully *touch wood*, I have avoided anything major and am sticking religiously to my training plan.
My least favourite part of the training is going out on cold, dark, rainy evenings. I am definitely looking forward to some lighter, warmer conditions as the weeks progress. I’m also not a fan of interval training, as it pushes me outside of my comfort zone.
My favourite bit about running is the euphoric moments when you’re warmed up and feeling strong, you’ve got good music playing and the endorphins kick in… absolutely magic!
How can people support you with your fundraising challenge?
People can donate to my fundraising page Gemma Crawford is fundraising for Earthwatch. Please also feel free to share this post via your social media channels.
- £15 could buy vegetable plants for an urban school as part of Green Earth Schools.
- £25 could buy freshwater quality testing kits for our FreshWater Watch volunteers.
- £50 could support our community monitoring events at our Tiny Forests.
A student planting herbs and vegetables as part of Green Earth Schools.
Inspired to take part?
Applications for the London Marathon 2026 are now closed. Contact our Fundraising Team today to register your interest for the London Marathon 2027 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.
