Our London Marathon runners 2025

Adele Edwards

Tell us a bit about yourself… 

Hello, I’m Adele! I have had an interest in horses since I got my first pony aged nine and have been around them ever since. I currently have Vegas, a World Horse Welfare pony who I’ve had for around 16 years. I did also have World Horse Welfare Archie but sadly I lost him back in June, after 20 years of providing a home for him. 

My other interests besides horses are obviously running and keeping fit, I’m usually doing some kind of race most weekends or if not, training for one! The rest of my spare time is taken up looking after my three rescue chickens, Blanca, Shakey and Barry the cockerel, and my little ancient dog who is almost 18 years old! 

Have you always been interested in running?  

I used to do a bit of running when I was in my early twenties. At the time it was more for fitness, I entered a few 5k races but that was probably the furthest I ran. More recently, at the beginning of 2023, I started getting back into it again, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed it and started doing more and more, to a point where I was running at least four times a week. Then I entered some races in the summer of that year, the odd 5k, then a few 10ks and eventually my first half marathon! 

I was enjoying it so much I decided to join my local running club, Dereham Runners AC, in August 2023. As they say the rest is history, I’ve been running ever since and don’t plan on stopping any time soon! 

Have you run a Marathon before? 

Yes! I did the Norfolk Marathon in April 2024, and this was my first. It was definitely not an easy one, lots of hills (yes there are hills in Norfolk!) and the weather on the day was not in my favour, with wind and intermittent rain lashing down! However, I got round and thoroughly enjoyed it and it hasn’t put me off doing another! 

How is training going ahead of the big day?  

Training is going well, I had been ticking over, running around three times a week and have now started my proper training where I will be following a plan from one of my running club coaches. 

What is your motivation for running for World Horse Welfare?  

I have worked for World Horse Welfare for 21 years as part of the yard staff, starting as a groom back in 2003 and working my way up to my current role as yard supervisor at Hall Farm in Norfolk. I hold the charity very close to my heart and have seen first-hand the neglect and abuse hundreds of horses have had to endure.  

I have experienced the time, dedication and financial resources required to bring these animals back to full health. World Horse Welfare is somewhere that provides a safe environment where horses can learn to trust again, feel safe and have a secure and happy future – which makes running to raise money for World Horse Welfare an obvious choice. 

Amelia ter Morsche

Tell us a bit about yourself… 

I am 22 years old and live with my family in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. We have two cats and two gorgeous cockapoo’s, Martha and Matheo. I am currently working as a receptionist in a mixed veterinary practice, including small and farm animals, as well as equines. My two main hobbies include horse riding and running. Although I do not have my own horse, I am very fortunate to regularly ride a friend’s horse, Owen.  

Have you always been interested in running?  

Running as a regular way of keeping fit began for me over the last year. I have always been an outdoorsy person and massively enjoying getting out for some fresh air, rain or shine – the weather in Yorkshire can be very unpredictable at times! I have never run a marathon before however, it has been on my bucket list for some time. 

How is training going ahead of the big day?  

So far, I have completed two 10k running events, the Yorkshire 10 Mile and my first half marathon. I am really happy and positive with how training is going and slowly building up my distances. 

What is your motivation for running for World Horse Welfare?  

I first started horse riding at the age of seven at my local riding school, I volunteered here for many years into my early teens. A few years later, I completed an Equine Care course at college and from there moved to Nottingham Trent University to study a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare. I have such a strong passion for equine welfare which makes me so incredibility proud to be running for World Horse Welfare in the London Marathon 2025.    

Ellie Harrington

Tell us a bit about yourself… 

My name is Ellie, I’m 21 and I have just graduated from my degree in Equine Performance and Business Management, I have been in the equine industry for around 11 years now. 

Have you always been interested in running?  

I used to run when I was a lot younger but haven’t always been interested in running. I haven’t run a marathon before and started training as a beginner. Seeing others participate inspired me and having the opportunity to do it for a charity close to my heart was even better. 

How is training going ahead of the big day?  

Training is going well, I have had some ups and downs but finding that consistency is really what’s going to help me long term, and having my sister as a running partner during my training! As a complete beginner, it has been difficult, especially finding time to schedule long runs around work, life and horses but will be so worth it when the day comes. 

What is your motivation for running for World Horse Welfare?  

My motivation for running for World Horse Welfare is my huge love and passion for horses, especially their welfare. My degree was focused on animal welfare in performance especially, and I was able to work with a couple of equine charities to fundraise for (REACH – a charity specialising in equine assisted therapy) and was involved in a strangles project for Redwings. So, I wanted to continue that by doing something special like the marathon to raise as much money as possible. World Horse Welfare means a lot to me being in the equine industry as I’m sure it does to many of my friends.  

Seeing how much World Horse Welfare has done to help horses in need, I would love to support that by raising more awareness, funds and promoting the cause whilst engaging with the community to help as many horses in need as possible. 

Lucy Callaby

Tell us a bit about yourself… 

I’m 26 and I’ve worked at World Horse Welfare for over five years, although I worked with horses before this. I love being outdoors and going on long walks with my dog, who loves coming for runs with me too! 

Have you always been interested in running?  

I started running a year and a half ago. To start with it was to get fit and to help with my mental health, however I now love running and enjoy pushing myself. I ran my first and only marathon in April last year in 4 hours 21 mins, so I’m hoping to smash this time in London.  

How is training going ahead of the big day?  

I have started a 16-week running plan, on top of this I am also strength training twice a week. I am going to also try and cross train, with swimming and cycling if I have time! 

What is your motivation for running for World Horse Welfare?  

I have worked for the charity for over five years and have seen first-hand all the great work the charity does for horses in need. The work we do is so important and that’s why I want to help raise as much money as I can to help.   

Steven Mckay

Tell us a bit about yourself… 

I’m originally from Northern Ireland and grew up with ponies (Pony Club) before joining the Household Cavalry where I spent eight years. I now live in Surrey and am a working farrier. My interests are National Hunt racing and myself and my partner have some racehorses in training. She then retrains them to Event after their racing career. We have a livery yard of 30 and a young family and animals that keep us very busy. 

Have you always been interested in running?  

I’m not as such interested in running, more that I love challenges and I’m someone who needs deadlines as a motivation. This will be my third marathon and will be special as it’s also on my birthday! 

How is training going ahead of the big day?  

Moderate! I’m out as and when I can but I’m getting there. I’ve a few half marathons booked in and our young son has found his feet, so he’s naturally sharpening up any fast twitch fibres I may still have! 

What is your motivation for running for World Horse Welfare?  

I’ve seen first-hand the difference World Horse Welfare makes here in the UK. Behind the scenes, the charity works tirelessly in trying to change and adapt legalisations and policies for the benefit of the equine world. 

The role World Horse Welfare plays in countries across the world I find compelling. Delivering skills and education to the horse owners and the people responsible for maintaining the animals’ welfare in these countries is something I’m interested in. As in most cases it’s a lack of knowledge and understanding about how to care for their horses, through no fault of their own.