The 2023 TCS London Marathon raced around incredibly quickly for this year’s Team MRF runners, staff and supporters as we welcomed the return of the iconic race to its traditional April event slot.
Two marathons in one year meant double the Team MRF runners, and for many, half the training time but ultimately it means that an incredible amount of funds of over £645,000 have been raised in the race to defeat meningitis over the last 12 months. Even though there were only 6 months in between the two races, everything was to the usual, impeccable standard of the TCS London Marathon we know and love.
Meningitis Research Foundation celebrated 106 runners that truly gave it their all on race day and completed a major bucket list item. It is with great thanks to everyone supporting the 2023 Team MRF runners that we have raised over £200,000 so far. There is still lots of support coming in and fundraising efforts are not even close to dwindling as everyone is still riding the buzz from the race.
For some, running in the TCS London Marathon was to achieve the goal of conquering 26.2 miles along the historic streets of London. However, most Team MRF runners bring very emotional and personal reasons for joining the race to defeat meningitis, which makes completing such a feat, all the more meaningful.
Heidi, finally achieved her goal of running London following Covid cancellations explains her reasons for taking part, “I am doing all this for the Meningitis Research Foundation as when my son was only a few weeks old he was taken to hospital with suspected meningitis, the hospital were excellent with him and their quick work meant that he had was treated as effectively as possible enabling him to be the very lively 7 year old he is now. I want to help MRF achieve their goal of defeating meningitis and septicaemia wherever they exist.”
After braving the April showers (and a fair few down pours!) that graced this year’s race, our runners were welcomed at our post-race reception. At the Royal Overseas League Team MRF runners received a well-earned massage, shower, and glass of prosecco. It was wonderful to meet everyone who came along. We could see how much runners, friends and family enjoyed chatting to each other and meeting members of staff and MRF Trustee David Moëd. The sense of pride, achievement and relief in the room was clear and very well-deserved.
It is now confirmed, the London Marathon is beyond comparison. Our seasoned and international runners who have completed many staple marathons around the world and wholeheartedly agreed that London has an incomparable atmosphere. They were astonished by how many thousands of people were standing in the rain, covering every inch of the course. There to not only cheer on their loved ones, but every single runner that bravely took on the marathon that day from beginning to end.
We were lucky to have a previous Team MRF runner and talented videographer, Hannah Tyson, capture the energy and emotions of the day through interviews and filmmaking. Thank you to everyone who joined in and we look forward to sharing these videos soon.
There was so much to celebrate and reflect on this year and it’s been wonderful to receive runner stories and photos. A special congratulations to Laura and Ben for their engagement at the end of the course – what a way to propose!
Thank you to everyone for being part of Team MRF – the race to defeat meningitis cannot happen without you. Your support means that we get ever closer to achieving our goal of a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.
We are aiming for MRF’s biggest ever team at the TCS London Marathon next year which takes place on Sunday 21 April 2024. To join us in the race to defeat meningitis visit https://www.meningitis.org/shop/events/tcs-london-marathon-2024