On Sunday, fifteen Team JRS UK runners took to the streets of London, joining tens of thousands of others in one of the world’s largest fundraising events: the London Marathon. Together, they ran not just 26.2 miles, but in solidarity with refugees and people seeking sanctuary, raising over £33,000 to support JRS UK’s work accompanying, serving and advocating for those forced to flee.
Liam Allmark, Head of Communications, Fundraising and Advocacy at JRS UK (who also took on the challenge) commented: “Team JRS UK showed up with courage, compassion and real solidarity. Our runners – and everyone who cheered them on – are making a genuine difference for people seeking sanctuary. On a day like this, hope feels possible.”
It was truly a joy-filled and hopeful day, if a gruelling feat for the runners. Every step taken by Team JRS UK helped raise funds for food, accommodation, advice and accompaniment, for people navigating an increasingly hostile asylum system in the UK. But just as importantly, the runners offered a public witness: that solidarity, welcome and hope still have a place in our society.
Many refugee friends lined the route, cheering the runners for hours. One runner, Naomi Cantwell said “Thank you so much for letting me run for JRS UK – despite it being incredibly hard I honestly had the best time! Thank you for cheering me on!”
The runners were part of a wider Catholic presence at this year’s marathon, which saw thousands of pounds raised for charities responding to poverty, displacement and injustice. As The Tablet reported, Team JRS UK’s commitment was a powerful sign of compassion and community at a time when refugees face increasing hardship in the UK.
Inspired to run next year?
Applications are now open to join Team JRS UK for the London Marathon 2027, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to run through the heart of London while standing with refugees and people seeking safety. As a Team JRS UK runner, you’ll receive training and fundraising support, as well as the chance to become part of a community rooted in compassion and accompaniment.
If this year’s runners have inspired you, why not take the next step?
Sign up and find out more about running with Team JRS UK
And finally, a special mention and thank you to the following heroes who ran the London Marathon 2026 for JRS UK:
Caitlyn Yee
Dael Dávila Elguera
James Ryan
Jin Asada
Julio Sanchez Cornejo
Liam Allmark
Matthew Sciberras
Naomi Cantwell
Peter Carabott
Peter Hobson
Rafal Kowalczyk
Rick Yee
Roberto Rivera Vazquez
Simon Callus
Thessaly Nicolaysen
