Vote for your 2026 TCS London Marathon Runner

We have five outstanding candidates, but only one place to allocate! Cast your vote here to help us decide on your runner for the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Voting opens 12am Friday 14th November.

This is one of the most iconic races in the world, and they'll be the first ever student to run it on behalf of a Students’ Union. They'll be raising money for the Student Participation Fund, helping more students access the experiences, opportunities and support that make university life unforgettable.

Meet the applicants

Why do you want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund?
This cause is deeply personal to me. Last year, the Student Participation Fund didn't just provide me with a grant, it literally changed the trajectory of my university experience and significantly improved my mental health.

After taking a year out due to mental health challenges, returning to university was difficult. The fund allowed me to purchase the necessary running shoes, which led to me running my first marathon, and to join the Taekwondo Club. These activities provided me with essential structure, physical activity, and social connection that I was lacking.
I know from experience the immense financial barriers students face, and more importantly, how a lack of physical activity and connection can severely affect mental health and wellbeing. I want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund as my way of giving back, to help more students have access to the same life-changing opportunities I had, and to feel the benefit of sport, connection, and improved mental health.

Running the London Marathon for the first time while fundraising for the very fund that helped me get into marathon running would be an incredibly meaningful milestone; it would be the perfect, full-circle moment to show my immense gratitude and champion the cause that helped me get here.

Why do you want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund?
Being part of UCL for the past year has been such an incredible experience and I couldn't have predicted just how many truly unique experiences I'd have here alongside so many truly special people. All of these people were found through the opportunities brought about by the SU, through societies that have shaped so many student's experiences. The effects of lifelong friends made through societies hosted by the SU will continue to take effect for many generations to come, both in people's personal and professional lives, signifying that this is truly worth a lot to so many people. Whilst I haven't personally used money from the student participation fund, I personally know 2 people that significantly benefitted from this pot, as they wouldn't have been able to afford the costs for a national dance competition representing Team UCL otherwise. They also then went on to win 1st place and take the trophy home, showing the huge impact that this fund has on student's and the university.

With rising costs of living, and even higher prices of rent, the financial squeeze for some students can be very challenging, especially those from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds, which is also very present in today's UK. Worse than that is the financial disparity between student's, meaning that student's are excluded from experiences, through no fault of their own, leading to them feeling left out and isolated. The student participation fund helps alleviate this, and ensures everyone has equal and unanimous access to social and cultural experiences, which are often the most memorable and special times of attending university at UCL and beyond. I want to raise money for the student participation fund for exactly this reason, in order to ensure that everyone can make the most of their time here at UCL. I started running at 18, and ever since it has been my dream to run London Marathon. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the race, I have never been offered an entry. This would therefore be the perfect chance to raise money for a good cause, and accomplish my longstanding dream of running the London Marathon. With it being my final year at UCL, it would be amazing to give back to the societies that have brought me so much joy in my life.

Why do you want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund?
As someone who has served on the committees of multiple UCL societies, I’ve seen first-hand how transformative student activities can be, whether it’s finding community, developing skills, or discovering new passions. UCL has an incredibly active Students’ Union, with hundreds of societies, sports teams and events happening every week, but I’ve also seen the barrier that cost can create. Even a £5 membership fee, or a £12 event ticket, can be the difference between a student joining in or quietly stepping back.

I understand the financial reality behind student activities. Societies need income to book venues, invite speakers, or subsidise trips. But I also believe just as strongly that no student should be excluded from opportunities that shape their university experience simply because of their financial circumstances.

Every year, the Student Participation Fund creates opportunities by covering the cost of memberships, sports sessions, rehearsals, and tickets, giving students access to the exact same communities and experiences that shaped mine.

This marathon means running for the students who want to take part but feel like university life is something happening around them, not something they can fully access. Participation should never be a privilege. If my 26.2 miles can help even one more student find friends, confidence, or belonging at UCL, then every mile will be worth it.

Why do you want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund?
I want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund because I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be for students - including myself. With the rising cost of rent and living expenses, many students face difficult choices: skipping meals, missing out on social opportunities, or being unable to join the clubs and societies that make university life so special. I was in this position myself, so I feel strongly about how impactful the SU's Participation Fund can be for a student!

At the start of my degree, I was embarrassed to talk about money. I didn’t understand how others could afford to take part in so many activities while I was constantly counting pennies. Discovering the Student Participation Fund completely changed that. It’s a lifeline that enables students to get involved in sports, the arts, and societies without the financial strain - opening doors to lifelong friendships, wellbeing, and confidence.

As President of RUMS Boat Club, I’m passionate about ensuring no one misses out on the chance to join a team, try something new, or find their community because of financial worries. I’ve personally benefitted from the fund - it allowed me to afford my British Rowing membership, compete, and even qualify for Henley last year, something I once thought was impossible. Rowing has been a huge source of confidence, health, and happiness for me, and I want every student to have access to that same opportunity.

By running the London Marathon, I hope to raise both funds and awareness. I want more students to know that support exists, and to feel no shame in seeking it. Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo - the Participation Fund ensures that university life is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Supporting it means investing in inclusion, wellbeing, and community across UCL.

Why do you want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund?
I’m passionate about ensuring every student can make the most of their university experience, regardless of their financial background. University is about so much more than just lectures; it’s about the friendships, memories, and experiences that help us grow as individuals.

When I joined UCL Men’s Hockey Club in my first year, it completely transformed my university experience. I made friends for life, created memories I’ll tell my kids and grandkids about, and truly felt part of the UCL community. But I’m aware that for many students, financial barriers can make it difficult to join societies, buy kit or equipment, attend events, or take part in volunteering and leadership activities that make university so special. One of my closest friends in hockey was actually able to join because of the Student Participation Fund, and I probably wouldn’t have met him if he hadn’t received that support. That experience really showed me how powerful this fund can be in helping students access the opportunities that define university life.

That’s why raising money for the Student Participation Fund means so much to me. It directly supports students who might not otherwise be able to afford things like society memberships, sports kit, or travel costs to take part in extra-curricular opportunities. Every pound raised helps make sure students can fully engage with university life, whether that’s joining TeamUCL Gym, participating in sports, volunteering, or taking part in leadership projects.

This ties closely to what I already care about: helping students overcome financial barriers. Over the past few years, I’ve built a platform focused on financial education and literacy, creating content that teaches students how to budget, save, and talk more openly about money. My work has reached over 100,000 followers and millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, leading to collaborations with organisations like the Bank of England and BBC Bitesize.
Running the London Marathon for Students’ Union UCL is a chance to bring that mission to life, combining my passion for student opportunity and financial education to raise funds that break down barriers and help more students belong, connect, and thrive.

What next?

Voting opens 12am Friday 14th November. You have until Thursday 20th November to cast your vote. Please vote for who you think would be a good representative for Students' Union UCL's first ever marathon runner. Stayed tuned over on our Instagram for the winner announcement on Friday 21st November.