I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for as long as I can remember, after first watching it on TV with my dad. For many years I entered the ballot with no luck, and although running for larger charities was an option, I knew I wanted to run for SolarAid.
Through working at SolarAid, I’ve seen how just one solar light can be completely transformational for a family living without access to electricity – improving health, education and livelihoods whilst tackling the climate crisis. Seeing this first-hand – and knowing that 565 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are still living without electricity – is what motivated me to take on the challenge.
So when SolarAid was awarded its first official London Marathon place for 2025, my hand went up immediately. Before I could overthink it, I was in.
As many of our supporters know, training for a marathon is no easy feat. The five-month slog through our coldest darkest months was tough, but also brought unexpected joy in frosty sunrise adventures when I would otherwise be snoozing my alarm. As the weeks went on and I grew stronger, longer runs opened up a new way of exploring local green spaces. A particular highlight was running the Bristol–Bath cycle path – a scenic half-marathon and one of the only reliably flat routes in the city!
Training was only part of the challenge, and hitting the fundraising target became a real team effort. I was blown away by the generosity of family and friends, SolarAid partners, and even former teachers. For months my (shared!) kitchen became a wrapping-paper factory for Christmas fairs, my wonderful friend Liz ran a light-themed yoga workshop, and my mum sold impressive amounts of books, CDs and more.
Emily selling homemade wrapping paper at Bristol University Christmas fair
Marathon day arrived as a beautiful, but hot, April morning. The atmosphere at the start was electric, and suddenly we were off. After months of mostly solo training, I was now one of more than 50,000 runners taking on the world’s biggest marathon. The crowds were incredible – witty signs, DJs, bands, gospel choirs and even a bagpiper or two kept spirits high. With friends and family dotted along the route, the race became about getting to the next familiar face whilst soaking up the atmosphere – which peaked at mile 12 crossing the iconic London Bridge.
Emily off to a flying start on race day
After halfway my pace dipped slightly, but I still felt strong and focused on getting to the next milestone – seeing Team SolarAid at mile 19 – a moment pictured countless times during training. In reality, things had already started to go wrong. I felt confused and disoriented, and although I did pass the SolarAid banner, I have no memory of it. Shortly after, I collapsed and was ambulanced away to the medical area where I learnt I had hyponatraemia. On one of the hottest London Marathon’s on record, I had overhydrated without enough salt (drink your electrolytes runners!).
Emily in the recovery area at St. John’s ambulance
Not finishing was devastating. I felt disappointed and as though I’d let people down. But I was met with nothing but kindness and support – sharing what happened led to even more donations. Together, we raised over £3,000 for SolarAid’s work – and that was always the real goal.
Whilst I didn’t cross the finish line this time, running and fundraising for SolarAid was an incredible experience and I would truly recommend it to anybody thinking about taking on a challenge in the new year. The London Marathon and I have unfinished business – and one day, I’ll be back.
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A quick note on running for SolarAid
In 2025, SolarAid were fortunate to receive a London Marathon place as a one-off opportunity to support a single runner. This gave us a valuable chance to explore what running and fundraising for SolarAid could look like. While this was a great experience, it is unfortunately not something we’re guaranteed in the future, and we haven’t received a place since.
We do hope, however, that people might choose to fundraise for SolarAid using their own London Marathon place. If that’s something you’re considering, we’d love to support you – with fundraising help, running kit, and SolarAid cheer points on the day. You can find out more here: London Marathon for SolarAid.
If running isn’t right for you, there are also lots of other ways to support SolarAid through fundraising. You can explore those options here: Fundraise for SolarAid.